Question

While studying memory loss caused by brain injuries, psychologists found that the patients, who could not explicitly recall words presented earlier, would actually say these words unconsciously when asked to say any word that begins with a certain letter. Being able to tap into memories that the patients were unaware they had by giving them the first letter of a word illustrates the use of

a) Priming
b) Retroactive interference
c) Proactive interference
d) Repression

Answer 1

The use of priming is evident when patients say words unconsciously when given the first letter, tapping into memories they are not aware of having. This is a form of implicit memory, not to be confused with retroactive or proactive interference, or repression. The correct option is A.

Step-by-step explanation:

The phenomenon described where patients, unable to explicitly recall words presented earlier, unintentionally say these words when given the first letter, exemplifies the use of priming. Priming is a type of implicit memory.

which involves exposure to one stimulus influencing the response to another stimulus, often without conscious guidance or intention.

It is not an example of retroactive interference, proactive interference, or repression, as these terms refer to different memory processes. Retroactive interference occurs when new information hinders the recall of older information, whereas proactive interference is when older information affects the recall of new information.

Repression is a controversial concept where memories of traumatic events are unconsciously forgotten. In the case of the patients, priming is responsible for their ability to recall and say words that they are unaware of remembering. The correct option is A.