A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

What does context-dependent memory refer to?

1. A decrease in memory recall due to distractions

2. Better recall when tested in the same context as learning

3. A phenomenon where memories become distorted over time

4. Memory retention increases with higher emotional arousal

The correct answer is: Better recall when tested in the same context as learning

Context-dependent memory refers to the improved ability to recall information when the retrieval context matches the learning context. This phenomenon suggests that environmental cues present during the learning phase can significantly enhance memory performance during recall. When individuals learn information in a specific setting, those contextual cues become associated with the memory. Therefore, if they are tested in the same or a similar environment, they are likely to experience better recall due to these contextual triggers. The other options do not accurately capture the essence of context-dependent memory. A focuses on the impact of distractions on recall, which relates more to interference than context. C discusses memory distortion over time, which is a separate cognitive process. D refers to the influence of emotional arousal on memory retention but does not specifically address the context of learning and recall.