Context Dependent Memory in the Wilds

Abstract

Context Dependent Memory in the Wilds Yura Choi Department of Data Science Graduate School of Hanyang University Episodic memory involves recalling personal events with contextual details, aiding in detailed event retrieval. Contextual information becomes part of an episodic trace, serving as an effective retrieval cue. Despite the importance of contextual information in memory retrieval, most memory research has been limited to controlled laboratory settings. Therefore, this study aims to examine memory retrieval in a more natural setting by using a GPS application (e.g., Traccar Client) to track participants’ daily GPS locations over a period of five weeks. It also investigates how effects (e.g., frequency effect, recency effect) observed in memory experiments conducted in the laboratory setting impact real- life situations. During the memory test, participants were asked to recall their locations at a specific time, choosing from all the locations they had visited in the previous four weeks. The results demonstrated the existence of the context-dependent memory effect in real- world settings, with more frequent or recent visits leading to increased correct responses. This study is the first to employ the current methodology to examine the context- dependent memory effect and measure an individual’s genuine memories, while also investigating the temporal dynamics of how context influences memory.