Definition

Cued recall is the retrieval of memory with the help of cues. Such cues are often semantic. Cued recall differs from free recall in that a cue or word is presented that is related to the information being remembered. This aides in the process of memory retrieval. Some examples of cued recalls are the names of the categories in which words were originally grouped or the presentation of related words. For instance, in remembering the word feather, the word bird may be used as a cued recall.

Current Knowledge

Tests of Cued Recall

There are many tests of cued recall. One of the most commonly used tests of cued recall is the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) developed by Delis et al. This semantic test, like many other tests of memory, utilizes both free and cued recall.

Clinical Uses of Cued Recall Testing

In addition to the use of free recall tests, tests of cued recall may be used in identifying memory impairments in a wide array of disorders including mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. In some instances, tests of cued recall may be more accurate than free recall tests in detecting cognitive changes. For example, Ivanoiu et al. (2005) found that a cued recall test is more reliable in testing memory impairment in Alzheimer’s disease than free recall testing. While both tests of memory are impaired in such individuals, cued recall may be a more accurate measure of cognitive decline. This is because deficits other than pure memory deficits, such as impaired attention or depression, may account for a decreased performance in free recall. Conversely, cued recall tests may be used to more directly measure the encoding and retrieval that takes place in memory tasks.

Cross References

California Verbal Learning Test (California Verbal Learning Test-II)

Cue

Free Recall