What term describes cues that activate memories?

Priming refers to the process whereby exposure to a stimulus influences the response to a subsequent stimulus, without conscious guidance or intention. It serves as a cue that can activate specific memories based on earlier experiences or associations. For instance, if someone hears the word "yellow," they might more quickly recognize or recall the word "banana" due to that earlier cue. This phenomenon highlights how memories can be influenced and triggered by related prompts, enhancing retrieval and recognition.

In contrast, rehearsal involves the repetition of information to enhance memory retention, while conditioning pertains to learning that occurs through associations, typically involving stimuli and responses. Chunking is a strategy used to break down information into more manageable units for easier recall. Each of these terms relates to memory but does not specifically address the activation of memories through cues as effectively as priming does.