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

February 16th 2025

sun compass

the use of the sun as a directional stimulus in orientation and navigation. Because the sun appears to move across the sky during the day and has different trajectories in different seasons, a sun compass must be coupled with some form of time estimation. To head south at 9 a.m., one needs to keep the sun on the left, but at 3 p.m., one needs to keep the sun on the right. Studies of several species, ranging from bees to fish and birds, have demonstrated a time-compensated sun compass. For nocturnal species, there is evidence of a star compass.