the encoding specificity principle

The encoding specificity principle states that memories are most easily retrieved when the context or situation present during learning matches the one during recall. In other words, if you learn something in a particular environment or with specific cues, you're more likely to remember it best when you're in or think of similar cues again. For example, studying in the same room where you'll take a test can help improve recall, because the surroundings act as additional signals to bring back the information. This principle highlights the importance of context in effective memory retrieval.