What are mental reminders or prompts used to help accessibility of memories called?

The term that accurately describes mental reminders or prompts used to assist in the recall of memories is retrieval cues. Retrieval cues are specific stimuli or hints that trigger the retrieval of memories from long-term storage. These can be words, images, or even emotions associated with the original learning experience, facilitating access to stored information.

Understanding retrieval cues is crucial in the context of memory as they play a significant role in the process of remembering. For example, when trying to remember a particular fact or event, a related detail may serve as a cue, making it easier to access the desired memory. This concept aligns with the broader understanding of how memory works, particularly in relation to context-dependency and the role that environmental or internal states can play in memory retrieval.

Other options like memory techniques and mnemonic devices refer to strategies employed to enhance memory and learning but do not specifically denote the cues that aid in memory retrieval itself. Associative triggers, while they share a concept with retrieval cues, are a broader term that lacks the precise definition associated with the specific prompts that lead to memory access.