This method makes use of paired associations to jog memory. Most people try brute force to try to recall the information. Sometimes this works, but often it doesn't. Sometimes, wanting to remember makes you over motivated . This over motivation actually interferes with the recall process.
Many psychological studies show that over motivation degrades performance at most tasks.
Close your eyes and take three deep breaths and try again. Make a notation in the test booklet and continue with the exam. Go back to the problem later. Work around the concept. Trying to recall the exact word or concept is the wrong strategy.