Tip of the tongue

Tip of the Tongue (TOT) is a cognitive phenomenon that involves the sensation of knowing a particular piece of information, but being unable to recall it. This is a common experience in human memory and is different from forgetting, as the individual is aware that they know the information, but cannot immediately retrieve it.

Overview

The term "Tip of the Tongue" was coined by the psychologist William James in his book, The Principles of Psychology. The phenomenon is also referred to as "presque vu", a French term meaning "almost seen". It is a type of cognitive block where the retrieval of memories is temporarily inhibited or delayed.

Causes

The exact cause of TOT is not fully understood, but several theories have been proposed. One theory suggests that it is caused by a weak connection in the semantic memory, which is responsible for storing general knowledge. Another theory posits that TOT occurs when the memory is not sufficiently activated to be recalled.

Research

Research on TOT has been conducted using various methods, including neuroimaging studies and experimental psychology. These studies have provided insights into the neural and cognitive processes involved in TOT, and have suggested that it may be linked to the aging process and certain neurological conditions.

See also

• Deja vu
• Memory
• Cognitive psychology
• Semantic memory