everyday memory Flashcards
What are the various types of memory that make up Everyday Memory?
- Autobiographical memory
- Flashbulb memory
- Eyewitness memory
- Prospective memory
These types represent different ways in which we recall and use memories in daily life.
What is autobiographical memory?
A form of declarative memory for personally important events in your life
It is complex and usually extends back many years.
What are the three elements that consist of autobiographical memory?
- Episodic memories
- Personal semantics
- Self-trait knowledge
These elements integrate episodic memories with conceptual knowledge about the self.
Is it possible to have episodic memories that do not have much autobiographical value?
Yes.
An example is remembering a test instead of a usual lecture.
Is it possible to have excellent autobiographical memory but poorer episodic memory?
Yes.
Jill Price is an example of someone with near perfect autobiographical memory but normal episodic memory.
Why can forgetting sometimes be a good thing?
- Emotional regulation
- Part of abstraction and learning
- Helps to think about the future
Forgetting can improve subjective well-being by allowing individuals to move past bad memories.
What is a flashbulb memory?
Memory for dramatic, important, surprising world events
Examples include the 9/11 attacks.
Are flashbulb memories special in their accuracy?
No, they are special only in their perceived accuracy.
Studies show that while vivid, they are not necessarily more accurate than everyday memories.
What does the classic forgetting curve illustrate?
The decline in memory over time for both flashbulb and everyday memories.
This curve indicates how quickly we forget information after learning it.
What is retrospective memory?
Memory for events and other stimuli that has been experienced in the past.
It is past-oriented and answers the question of ‘what’ has occurred.
What is prospective memory?
Memory for carrying out an intended action in the absence of explicit reminders.
It is future-oriented and answers the question of ‘when’ to do something.
What are the stages of prospective memory?
- Forming an intention
- Retention interval
- Monitoring for cues
- Intention recall
- Executing the intention
These stages help in successfully remembering to perform tasks in the future.
What are the two types of prospective memory?
- Time-based
- Event-based
Time-based requires remembering to act at a specific time, while event-based involves acting when a specific event occurs.
What percentage of participants are generally accurate at recognizing a face in a lineup?
65%.
This highlights the challenges associated with eyewitness memory.
What is the cross-race effect in face recognition?
People are generally better at recognizing faces of their own race compared to faces of other races.
This effect indicates biases in memory and perception.
