Cue generation and memory construction in direct and generative autobiographical memory retrieval
Abstract
Theories of autobiographical memory emphasise effortful, generative search processes in memory retrieval. However recent research suggests that memories are often retrieved directly, without effortful search. We investigated whether direct and generative retrieval differed in the characteristics of memories recalled, or only in terms of retrieval latency. Participants recalled autobiographical memories in response to cue words. For each memory, they reported whether it was retrieved directly or generatively, rated its visuo-spatial perspective, and judged its accompanying recollective experience. Our results indicated that direct retrieval was commonly reported and was faster than generative retrieval, replicating recent findings. The characteristics of directly retrieved memories differed from generatively retrieved memories: directly retrieved memories had higher field perspective ratings and lower observer perspective ratings. However, retrieval mode did not influence recollective experience. We discuss our findings in terms of cue generation and content construction, and the implication for reconstructive models of autobiographical memory.
Citation
Harris , C , O'Connor , A R & Sutton , J 2015 , ' Cue generation and memory construction in direct and generative autobiographical memory retrieval ' , Consciousness and Cognition , vol. 33 , pp. 204-216 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.concog.2014.12.012
Publication
Consciousness and Cognition
Status
Peer reviewed
ISSN
1053-8100Type
Journal article
Rights
Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. NOTICE: this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Consciousness and Cognition. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Consciousness and Cognition, 33 (2015) DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2014.12.012
Description
The authors acknowledge the funding support we have received: (1) a Macquarie University Research Fellowship for Celia Harris; (2) support from the Belief Program of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders for Celia Harris and Akira O’Connor; (3) a Macquarie University Faculty of Human Sciences Visiting Fellowship for Celia Harris and Akira O’Connor to collaborate together; and (4) support from the Australian Research Council Discovery Projects scheme for Celia Harris (DP130101090) and John Sutton (DP120100187).Collections
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