When a word is on the tip of the tongue, people tend to come up with words that are similar in meaning to the correct word. This is evidence for:
A) acoustic encoding in short-term memory.
B) literal encoding in sensory memory.
C) semantic categorization in long-term memory.
D) the different types of memory identified by memory researchers.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that people tend to come up with words that are similar in meaning to the correct word when it is on the tip of their tongue suggests that they are relying on semantic categorization in long-term memory to try and recall the word. This is because they are able to recall the general meaning of the word they are looking for, but not the specific word itself.

When a Word Is on the Tip of the Tongue