generation effect

the finding that memory for items to be remembered in an experiment is enhanced if the participants help to generate the items. For example, the word hot will be better remembered if the studied item is “Opposite of COLD: H__” than if the word hot is simply read. Though generation often yields a memory benefit, there are circumstances in which it does not increase retention relative to studying the items.

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Psychology term of the day

March 17th 2025

paranoid delusion

loosely, any of a variety of false personal beliefs tenaciously sustained even in the face of incontrovertible evidence to the contrary. These include delusions of grandeur, delusional jealousy, or, most frequently, delusions of persecution.