In spreading activation, what happens when one concept is activated?

• A. Activation of one concept spreads to related concepts
• B. Activation remains contained to the original concept
• C. Activation only occurs during sleep
• D. Activation requires conscious effort to spread

Answer: (A)

Spreading activation describes how concepts are connected in a network. When one concept is activated, that activation spreads along the links to related concepts, so nearby ideas become more accessible. The strength of activation typically decreases with distance from the original concept, but the cascade can prime related memories or thoughts without deliberate control. This explains why thinking of one word or idea can bias you toward related ones. The other statements don’t fit because activation doesn’t stay confined to the original concept, it isn’t limited to sleep, and it usually occurs automatically rather than requiring conscious effort.