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Memory decay is related to the deterioration of memory over time rather than a method for retrieving that memory. In the context of memory processes, retrieval refers to the ways in which information that has been stored in memory can be accessed and utilized.
Recall involves retrieving information from memory without any cues, such as remembering a list of items or answering an open-ended question. Recognition, on the other hand, involves identifying previously learned information among options, such as selecting the right answer from a multiple-choice test or recognizing a familiar face in a crowd.
Spreading activation refers to a theory in cognitive psychology where activation of one memory triggers related memories, facilitating retrieval. This can be visualized as a network of concepts where activating one node can ignite activity in other connected nodes, aiding in accessing memories.
Thus, the other choices describe actual processes involved in retrieving memories, while memory decay describes the loss of memory strength and accessibility over time.