Donyelle finds that she performs better on the exams that are given in her regular psychology classroom than in the large lecture room that is used to give midterms and finals to several sections at once. Donyelle's experience illustrates

• A. the importance of maintenance rehearsal in memory.
• B. the role of the primacy effect.
• C. the role of the recency effect.
• D. the importance of retrieval cues in memory.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context: Donyelle performs better in her regular classroom compared to a large lecture room. This suggests that the environment plays a role in her exam performance.
2. Identify the concept: The problem is related to memory and how different factors can influence recall and performance.
3. Consider retrieval cues: Retrieval cues are stimuli that help you recall information stored in your memory. In Donyelle's case, the regular classroom provides familiar cues that aid in retrieving information during exams.
4. Evaluate the options: Maintenance rehearsal, primacy effect, and recency effect are different memory concepts. Maintenance rehearsal involves repeating information to keep it in short-term memory, while primacy and recency effects relate to the order of information presentation. These do not directly explain Donyelle's situation.
5. Conclude with retrieval cues: The familiar environment of the regular classroom acts as a retrieval cue, enhancing Donyelle's ability to recall information during exams, illustrating the importance of retrieval cues in memory.