Where and when we learn something can affect our memory. You are more likely to remember things if the context is the same. This can explain why certain smells or sounds trigger memories. These are known as cues.
What does the retrieval failure theory suggest?
The retrieval failure theory suggests that 'forgotten' memories are still there but cannot be accessed due to cues not being present.
What is the encoding specificity principle?
The general principle that matching the encoding contexts of information at recall assists in the retrieval of episodic memories. It provides a framework.
