Term for a cognitive phenomenon related to recalling memory

I remember reading about a phenomenon of arriving at a logical conclusion or perhaps a tip-of-tongue memory through a process of talking about various things that are related to the idea. There is a specific term for this. Does anyone know what it is?

Some kind of “activation”, maybe? My memory is failing me…

Can you give an example? I’m not sure what you are talking about.

Are you talking mnemonics or a recall ability?

free association perhaps?