Individual differences in memory Flashcards
Define “individual differences”.
Variations or deviations amongst people for a particular trait or characteristic
What are the 3 individual differences in memory?
Digit span - the longest list of items that a person can repeat back in the correct order
Autobiographical memories - memories of personal events and life experiences that are unique to individuals
Personality
What are the 5 studies that support individual differences in memory?
Digit span:
Loftus et. al (1992)
Sebastian and Hernandez Gil
Autobiographical memories:
Harlene Hayne (2000)
Collectivism and individualism
Personality:
Cox-Fuenzalisa et al (2006)
How does Loftus et al (1992) support digit span showing individual differences in memory? (4 points)
Museum visitors were shown a film and questioned about it later
26-35 year olds were the most accurate while the elderly were the least accurate
The elderly were most suggestible when there was a “leading question” - they were more likely to produce a false memory
Shows that STM capacity can vary from person to person
How do Sebastian and Hernandez Gil support digit span showing individual differences in memory? (2 points)
Theorised that Spanish people have a lower STM capacity than English people
Spanish words are longer so it would take longer to subvocally rehearse them - more items would be open to decaying sooner
How does Harlene Hayne (2000) support autobiographical memories showing individual differences in memory? (3 points)
Maori culture strongly emphasises the past with them “looking backwards with an eye to the future”
She found that Maoris from New Zealand had incredible autobiographical memory
Could recall events from their second year of life, up to a year earlier than Caucasians on average
How do collectivism and individualism support autobiographical memories showing individual differences in memory? (4 points)
Collectivists:
+ Motivated by group goals and value long-term relationships
+ Have a bump in autobiographical memories later in life when they form their own family
Individualists:
+ Motivated by personal benefits and set personal goals
+ Have a bump earlier in life as their autobiographical memories are centered around identity information
How does Cox-Fuenzalisa et al (2006) support personality showing individual differences in memory? (2 points)
Introverts - better LTM
They spend more time thinking about the past so they rehearse memories more
Extroverts - better STM
More focused on the present and may pay more attention to sensory experiences as a result
