What occurs when one item in working memory activates related memories?

When one item in working memory activates related memories, this phenomenon is referred to as spreading activation. Spreading activation is a process where exposure to a particular concept or memory triggers the retrieval of other related concepts or memories stored in the mind. This is often explained through networks of semantic memory, where concepts are interconnected. For instance, thinking of the word “dog” might lead to the activation of related concepts such as “pet,” “cat,” or “bark,” due to their associations within the memory network.

In the context of working memory, this activation allows for the efficient retrieval of information, facilitating problem-solving and decision-making processes by quickly accessing relevant information. This process enhances cognitive functioning, enabling individuals to draw links between disparate ideas, supporting learning and comprehension.

In contrast, decay refers to the fading of memories over time if they are not accessed or rehearsed, whereas the recency effect describes the tendency to recall the latest items in a list better than those in the middle. Recall is more broadly the retrieval of information from memory, but it does not specifically address the activation of related memories.