EXAM 2: Autobiographical Memory

Question 1

Autobiographical Memory

Answer 1

Memory for the experiences that comprise a persons life story

Question 2

In studying autobiographical memory, what factors can be assessed?

Answer 2

Number recalled as a function of time, vividness/detail, emotional intensity

Question 3

Cue-word approach

Answer 3

Think of a memory that you have that is associated with each of the following words (pencil, lake, friend)
Autobiographical retention function: memories retrieved through lifespan follow a predictable pattern

Question 4

Childhood Amnesia

Answer 4

Finding that very few memories exist from early in life (0-5 years) with almost no evidence of memories before the age of 4

Question 5

What are some explanations for childhood amnesia?

Answer 5

■ Brain development
■ Language development
■ Development of self
■ Complimentary process view

Question 6

An explanation of childhood amneisa is brain development - why?

Answer 6

Hippocampus is not fully developed, don’t have the brain structures necessary for encoding, retrieval as you age is difficult because your brain is no longer the same (can still form associations and procedural memories)

Question 7

An explanation of childhood amnesia is language development - why?

Answer 7

development of autobiographical memory corresponds with the development of language; language proves way to interpret, organize, and rehearse info

Question 8

An explanation of childhood amneisa is development of self - why?

Answer 8

Early in life, children do not realize they are independent entities; Formation of “self” is critical for formation of autobiographical memories

Question 9

An explanation of childhood amneisa is complemetary process view - why?

Answer 9

Two complementary process to account for childhood amnesia
- Quality of encoded memories improves through childhood, as
memories become increasingly “autobiographical” (more details, context)
- As you develop, memories become less and less susceptible to forgetting
Complementary Process View (Bauer, 2015)

Question 10

Reminiscence bump

Answer 10

Disproportionate number of memories recalled from between ages 10-30

Question 11

What are the explanations for reminiscence bump

Answer 11

(1) Cognitive Mechanisms Account
(2) Cognitive Abilities Account
(3) Identity Formation Account
(4) Life Script Account

Question 12

What is cognitive mechanisms account

Answer 12

Distinctiveness of memories - less prone to interference, more rehearsal

Question 13

Cognitive Abilities Account

Answer 13

Peak functioning during “bump” years: Strongest encoding, most durable storage

Question 14

Identiity formation account

Answer 14

Discovering/forming your personal identity, events during this time shape who we are

Question 15

Life script account

Answer 15

Culturally important transitional events, structure our memory

Question 16

Why does the period of recency occur?

Answer 16

Recency effect: recall more recent items more easily, forgetting still occurs but these memories are currently easily accessible

Question 17

Why does forgetting occur?

Answer 17

Lack of rehearsal (events are less distinct in older years, life is routine)
High chance of interference (many memories are similar)

Question 18

Flashbulb memories

Answer 18

Memories associated with a personally experienced and emotional event (detailed, vivid, and held with high amount of confidence)