Obviously, this process is not always perfect.
Memory Retrieval Basics
So what exactly is retrieval?
Simply put, it is a process of accessing stored memories.
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There are four basic ways in which information can be pulled from long-term memory.
The throw in of retrieval cues available can have an impact on how information is retrieved.
A retrieval cue is a clue or prompt that is used to trigger the retrieval of long-term memory.
Problems With Memory Retrieval
The retrieval process doesn’t always work perfectly.
In many cases, we lack adequate retrieval cues to trigger the memory.
In other instances, the pertinent information might never have been fully encoded into memory in the first place.
One common example: attempt to draw the face of a penny from memory.
The reality is you probably only really remember enough to distinguish pennies from other forms of currency.
Rowland CA, Bates LE, Delosh EL.On the reliability of retrieval-induced forgetting.
