How does memory construction occur?

Memory construction occurs primarily during the retrieval process, where memories can be updated with new information and contextual details. When recalling a memory, individuals might integrate new experiences or current knowledge that can adjust or alter the original memory. This phenomenon highlights the reconstructive nature of memory, where the act of remembering itself can change the memory.

This aligns with the understanding that memory is not a static record but rather a dynamic process. Each time a memory is retrieved, it can be influenced by various factors, such as emotions, environmental contexts, and the introduction of new information, which may alter how that memory is stored for future retrieval.

The other options do not accurately represent the complex nature of memory construction. For instance, while biological processes play a role in memory function, they do not solely account for how memories are formed or recalled. External cues can aid in the retrieval of memories but do not encompass the full scope of the construction process. Proactive interference involves the disruption of the retrieval process by conflicting memories but does not contribute to how memories are actively constructed or reconstructed.