What does the law of contiguity suggest?

The law of contiguity suggests that events occurring simultaneously or in close temporal proximity can remind us of each other. This principle was notably discussed in the context of associationist theories of learning and memory, such as those developed by philosophers like Aristotle and psychologists like David Hume. According to this law, when two events occur together frequently, they become linked in our minds, so that recalling one event may lead to the recall of the other. For example, if you always hear a particular song while studying, the song can later trigger memories of your study sessions due to their simultaneous occurrence.

The focus is on the importance of temporal and spatial association between experiences, emphasizing how close pairings in time can create strong mental connections. This principle plays a significant role in understanding how we form memories and associations, which is essential in various psychological applications, including learning and behavior modification.