US High School Psychology Complete Practice Exam 2025

The development of long-term memories is greatly influenced by the association with prior knowledge. Cognitive psychology emphasizes the importance of connecting new information to existing knowledge, which facilitates better encoding and retrieval of memories. When new information is related to what a person already knows, it creates a richer context, making it more meaningful and easier to recall later. This process often involves using various mnemonic devices or organizational strategies to enhance understanding and retention.

The other aspects, while relevant to memory, do not capture the fundamental cognitive process as effectively. Emotional impact, for example, can enhance memory recall but is not a necessary condition for the formation of all long-term memories. Continuous repetition helps reinforce memory but can sometimes lead to rote learning without a deeper understanding. Accessibility of information is important for retrieval but does not directly influence the initial encoding of long-term memories. Therefore, forming connections with prior knowledge is the most critical element in the development of long-term memories in the context of cognitive psychology.