What is the self-reference effect in the context of memory?

The self-reference effect refers to the phenomenon in which individuals have a better memory for information that they have related to themselves. When new information is connected to personal experiences, beliefs, or feelings, it becomes more meaningful and easier to retrieve later. This personal connection enhances the encoding process, making the information more memorable.

For example, if someone learns a new word and relates it to a personal experience or how it reflects something about themselves, that word will likely stick in their memory more effectively than if they learned it in isolation or contextually unrelated to themselves. This aligns with the concept that information linked to personal relevance tends to be more effectively retained in memory.

Using flashcards primarily focuses on repetition and immediate recall without the personal connection that defines the self-reference effect. Studying in groups may enhance understanding through collaborative learning but does not inherently leverage personal relevance for memory recall. Similarly, segregating study materials into categories could help with organization but does not necessarily create the meaningful personal associations that foster strong memory retention.