Retrieval cues are stimuli that help trigger the recall of information from memory. They can be anything from a word, image, or even a smell that prompts the brain to access stored memories. For example, seeing a photo from a past vacation might remind someone of the experiences they had during that trip. These cues work based on the principle of association, where related information is linked together in the brain. When a person encounters a retrieval cue, it activates the neural pathways associated with the original memory, making it easier to retrieve. This is why certain songs or places can evoke strong memories.