---
title: "Context-Dependent Memory — AP Psych Definition & Examples"
description: "Context-dependent memory means you recall information better when your retrieval environment matches your encoding environment. Key for AP Psych Topic 5.4 and the encoding specificity principle."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/context-dependent-memory"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Psychology"
---

# Context-Dependent Memory — AP Psych Definition & Examples

## Definition

Context-Dependent Memory refers to improved recall of specific episodes or information when the context present at encoding and retrieval are the same.

## Related Study Guides

- [5.4 Retrieving](/ap-psych-revised/unit-5/retrieving/study-guide/Qy2UTL6HulKfYmjPBIT9)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [State-Dependent Memory](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/state-dependent-memory): This refers to the phenomenon where people recall more information if their physical or mental state is the same during both encoding and recall.
- [Encoding Specificity Principle](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/encoding-specificity-principle): The idea that cues and contexts specific to a particular memory will be most effective in helping us recall it.
- [Episodic Memory](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/episodic-memory): This is our memory of autobiographical events (times, places, associated emotions, etc.) that can be explicitly stated.