Which measure of memory involves identifying previously learned items aided by retrieval cues?

Recognition is the measure of memory that involves identifying previously learned items with the help of retrieval cues. This process occurs when a person is presented with information and must determine whether it has been encountered before. During recognition tasks, such as multiple-choice questions or identifying the correct answer from a list, individuals rely on their ability to match or recognize the cues provided, which helps trigger the memory of the learned items.

The cognitive process of recognition is often seen as distinct from recall, where individuals must retrieve information without these cues. In recognition tasks, the presence of retrieval cues makes it easier to access the stored information, thereby enhancing the likelihood of accurate identification. This is why recognition is typically considered a more straightforward measure of memory than recall.

Rehearsal and retention, while important to memory processes, do not directly pertain to the identification of previously learned material through cues. Rehearsal refers to the active process of reviewing and practicing information to maintain it in memory, and retention relates to the ability to keep that information storage over time, rather than the act of recognizing it when prompted.