Human Memory

While memory research has recently focused on brain images and neurological underpinnings of transmitters, Human Memory: A Constructivist View assesses how our individual identity affects what we remember, why and how. This book brings memory back to the constructivist questions of how all the experiences of an individual, up to the point of new memory input, help to determine what that person pays attention to, how that information is interpreted, and how all that ultimately affects what goes into memory and how it is stored. This also affects what can be recalled later and what kind of memory distortions are likely to occur.

The authors describe constructionist theories of memory, what they predict, how this is borne out in research findings, presenting everyday life examples for better understanding of the material and interest. Intended for memory researchers and graduate level courses, this book is an excellent summary of human memory research from the constructivist perspective.

• Defines constructivist theory in memory research
• Assesses research findings relative to constructivist predictions
• Identifies how personal experience dictates attention, interpretation, and storage
• Integrates constructivist based findings with cognitive neuroscience

Researchers in memory, professors teaching a graduate course in memory

Dedications

Preface

Acknowledgment

Introduction

Chapter 1. Links and Cues

Abstract

Movement in Memory: The Operation of Links

Cues

Models of Memory Retrieval

References

Chapter 2. Spreading Activation

Abstract

Memory and Context

Memory Retrieval and Specification Cues

Empiricist Versus Constructivist Views of Memory

Conclusions

References

Chapter 3. Processing Structures

Abstract

Rationale for Processing Structures

Processing Structures for Serial Recall

Theories of Serial Recall

Position Coding Functions in Serial Recall

Conclusions

References

Chapter 4. Constructivism

Abstract

Origins of Constructivism

From Empiricism to Constructivism: Examining The Early Path of Memory Research

Long-Term Memory Codes

Episodic Recall and Memory Reconstruction: Separating The True Experience from Distortion

The Nature of Higher-Order Schemas

Conclusions

References

Chapter 5. A Personal Memory

Abstract

A Critical Analysis of a Distant Personal Memory

The Nature of Autobiographical Memory

Memory of the Moroccan Trip: A Summary Based on Theory

Some Factors Influencing Memory Retrieval

References

Chapter 6. Piaget’s Model

Abstract

The Genevan View of Human Memory

Visual Codes in Memory: Figural Elements and Perceptual Schemas

Genevan and Mainstream Views of Episodic and Semantic Memory

Conscious Processes and Memory Content: A Genevan View

Context and Coding in Long-Term Memory

Conclusions

References

Chapter 7. Altered Memories

Abstract

Alterations in Episodic Memory: the Misinformation Effect

Models of Episodic Memory Content

Variables that Influence the Selection of One Candidate for Retrieval Over Another

Conclusions

References

Chapter 8. Dissociative Memory, Variables that Influence Reconstruction, and Propositional Coding

Abstract

The Dissociable Nature of Memory

Retrievability of Memory Content: The Role of Inference

Three Points Concerning Human Recall

Propositional Coding

References

Chapter 9. Memory and Emotion

Abstract

The Effect of Emotion on Recall

Emotion and Memory in Everyday Life

The Physiological Basis of Memories Characterized By Emotion

Conclusions

References

Chapter 10. Memory and Schemas

Abstract

The role of schemas in long-term memory: a Genevan view

Concept schemas in word recall and episodic memory

Theoretical models of schemas

Perceptual and motor schemas in memory

Conclusions

References

Appendix A. Types of Links in Memory

Identity Links

Similarity Links

Contiguity Links

Order Links

Temporal Links

Causal Links

Subset/Superset Links

Part/whole Links

Appendix B. Interference and Forgetting

Negative Transfer

Proactive Interference

Retroactive Interference

Interference Theory

References

Index