Contextual Memory is the conscious recall of the source and circumstances of a specific memory. Such recall may include time, place, people, emotion or any other contextual information related to a memory event. Partial or erroneous encoding of the contextual details of an event while it happens may occur due to time constraints, high levels of stress, distractions or poor information processing skills. Example 1: You hear a song and, although new to you, it sounds familiar. You try to remember when and where you heard it before. You search your memory and remember that you first heard it on the radio, three days ago, as you were driving to the supermarket with your daughter. You also remember that, although you liked the song, your daughter impatiently turned off the radio.

Example: Somebody tell you a story and you realize that you heard it before. You think about it and REMEMBER that you heard it on raining afternoon from your grandmother several years ago.

Example: You know that your friend's daughter has moved to France. You want to remember where in France. You search your memory and remember that it is Toulouse and that you learnt about it from a farewell e-mail that she sent you and all her acquaintances a year ago.