The phenomenon where information related to oneself is better recalled than other information is a cognitive bias extensively studied within psychology. This bias enhances memory encoding when individuals can connect new information to their existing self-knowledge. For example, a list of adjectives is more likely to be remembered if a person considers whether each word describes them, compared to simply memorizing the list.
This cognitive enhancement has significant implications for learning and persuasion. By framing information in a way that allows individuals to relate it to their personal experiences, values, or goals, retention and impact can be significantly improved. Research into this effect dates back several decades and continues to provide valuable insights into memory processes and how individuals process information about themselves.