Topic 8: Everyday Memory and Memory Errors Flashcards
Topic 8 (55 cards)
What are everyday memories unlike?
funny ass phrasing
Not like photographs- accurate/unchanging; rather “works in progress”
what are everyday memories affected by?
Affected by details by the event, but also knowledge of the event, and by things that have happened since the event occurred
Are everyday memories recorded accurately? Does it reflect what happened?
Everything is not necessarily recorded accurately in the first place, and even if it is, there is a good chance that what you recall does not accurately reflect what really happened
What determines which life event will we remember years later?
Events that become significant parts of a persons life, or are personal milestones, tend to be remembered quite well
What is a reminiscence bump?
The reminiscence bump is a memory phenomenon where people over 40 tend to recall more memories from their adolescence and early adulthood.
What is the three hypotheses theory?
All based on the idea that special life events happen during these times that are more likely to be recalled later
What is the Self-Image Hypothesis?
+Memory for events that occur as a person’s self image or identity is being formed
Who is Rathbone (2008) and what did his research explain?
Had participants (54 yrs old) create “i am” statements that define them as a person
Indicated when each became a part of their self-indentity = 25 yrs old
When does Self-Image Hypothesis occur the most?
Most occurred during the bump?
What is the Cognitive Hypothesis?
Periods of rapid change that are followed by relative stability causes stronger encoding of memories
How does the Cognitive Hypothesis do for someone during the bump?
- Go away to school
- get married
- start a career
- have children
what does the cognitive hypothesis show after the bump?
Following that, our lives tend to become more routine in adulthood; less memorable
What is the Cultural Life Script Hypothesis?
Events in a person’s life become easier to recall when they fit the life script that matches that of th person’s culture
What is the Cultural Life Script?
Culturally expected events that occur at, or around, a specific time in the life span
When do people typically fall in love for the first time?
16 yrs old
When do being usually move off to college/university?
22 yrs old
When do people usually get married?
28 yrs old
When do peopel typically have children?
30 yrs old
Are memories better connected with stronger emotions?
Yes, absolutely
What is the case for memories for “exceptional” events?
Clear that some events in our life are more likely to be remembered than others
What part of the brain do exceptional events highlight?
- The amygdala
- Activity is higher when remembering emotional stimuli
What happens when stress combines with exceptional events?
Emotions in combination with stress seems to amplify the effect
With memory for exceptional event; what did the researchers ask the partcipants to do?
Showed participants neutral and emotional pictures, then had participants immerse their arms in water. Asked to come back a week later and describe what they saw.
What is a detailed explanation of a Flasbulb Memory?
Something even more special about memories associated with emotionally charged events that are unexpected and that impact large groups of people
