Which theory explains the inability to retrieve material due to an absence of the right cues?

Retrieval failure theory is the correct answer as it specifically addresses the concept of forgetting information due to the lack of appropriate cues that are necessary for recall. According to this theory, even if information is stored in memory, retrieval can be hindered if the right external or internal cues are absent at the time of recall. This aligns with many experiences of individuals, such as when a person knows they have learned something but finds it difficult to access that information without specific prompts or reminders.

In contrast, the tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon refers to a situation where a person feels that they are close to remembering a piece of information but cannot fully retrieve it at that moment—they often remember certain details about it but not the complete answer. Retroactive interference describes how new information can interfere with the recall of previously learned information, illustrating another dimension of memory dynamics rather than focusing solely on cue absence. Lastly, state-dependent cues relate to the idea that the physiological or emotional state during encoding and retrieval can influence memory recall, but does not specifically imply a general inability to retrieve information due to absent cues as underlined in retrieval failure theory.