What process involves the direct retrieval of facts or information without cues?

The process that involves the direct retrieval of facts or information without cues is recall. This cognitive function requires an individual to retrieve information from memory independently, without the aid of prompts or hints. For example, if someone is asked to name all the states in the United States from memory without any visual aids or clues, they are using recall.

This contrasts with recognition, where individuals must identify previously learned information from a set of options, indicating a more passive retrieval process that relies on cues. Prospective memory relates to remembering to perform actions in the future rather than retrieving past information. Context-dependent memory refers to the enhanced capacity to remember when in the same context as when the information was originally encoded but does not pertain directly to the method of retrieval itself. Thus, recall specifically highlights the active engagement in retrieving information without external cues.