Final answer:
Priming is the term for the automatic activation of certain associations in memory. This subtle psychological process influences our response to new stimuli based on past experiences and is a key concept in memory retrieval.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for the often unconscious activation of particular associations in memory is priming. This concept is rooted in the cognitive psychology field and pertains to how exposure to a stimulus influences the response to a subsequent stimulus, often without conscious awareness. Through priming, when a part of one's semantic network is activated, concepts linked to it are also activated to a lesser extent, which is known as spreading activation. This process facilitates easier access to associated concepts in memory retrieval. Unlike direct recall or retrieval processes, priming works by subtly influencing our thoughts and behaviors based on past experiences.