What concept describes the ability to better retrieve information in the same state of consciousness in which it was encoded?

The concept that describes the ability to better retrieve information in the same state of consciousness in which it was encoded is known as the state dependency of retrieval. This principle suggests that memory retrieval is enhanced when an individual is in the same physiological or psychological state as they were when the memory was formed. For example, if someone learns information while they are feeling happy, they are more likely to recall that information when they are also in a happy state. This phenomenon emphasizes the link between the internal environment at the time of encoding and retrieval, highlighting the importance of state-related cues in memory processes.

Contextual learning refers more to the physical environment or context where the learning takes place influencing memory retrieval, rather than the internal state of the learner. Mood congruence involves the idea that a person's current mood can affect their memory recalls, but it is not solely about the state of consciousness present at encoding and retrieval. Situational factors can also influence memory, but they generally refer to the external environment, not the specific state of consciousness aligned with the encoding of the information. Thus, state dependency of retrieval captures the essence of the relationship between an individual's internal state during encoding and their ability to retrieve that information later.