memory-based thinking

noun

UK /ˈmɛməri beɪst ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/

US /ˈmɛməri beɪst ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/

Thinking that uses things you already remember to help you decide.

When she chose the red crayon because it was her favorite last time, that was memory-based thinking.

SYNONYMS

recall-driven reasoning remembered judgment past-experience thinking recollection-based reasoning

RELATED WORDS

memory recall experience learning habit

OTHER MEANINGS

2. Making choices by comparing a new situation to similar ones stored in your mind.

His memory-based thinking told him the shortcut worked before, so he took it again.

3. Using remembered facts instead of new clues to solve a problem.

The quiz tested memory-based thinking rather than creative guessing.

4. Deciding based on what you have seen or done in the past.

Her memory-based thinking helped her avoid the same mistake twice.