Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
The context effect refers to how the context (or environment) in which something is experienced can impact perception and recall of the event or information.
This refers to better recall of specific episodes or information when one's physical state is similar during encoding and retrieval stages - like remembering what you studied while drinking coffee better if you also drink coffee during the exam!