Twenty years after Baddeley (1988): Is the study of autobiographical memory fully functional?
Abstract
Abstract
Twenty years after Baddeley admonished memory researchers to examine the real-world relevance of their findings, research has informed a wide range of practical issues and it is increasingly guided by analyses of memory functions. Although broadly defined social, self and directive functional categories have provided an initial organizational framework for autobiographical memory research, the functional agenda will benefit from conceptual and methodological refinements and innovations. An especially valuable research strategy targets specific functions in carefully defined experimental and practical contexts. Promising research directions include comparing functions served by positive versus negative memories, tracking the early development of memory functions, and exploring individual and group differences. Although reconstructive memory processes contribute to inaccuracies in reproducing the past, functional analysis instead highlights the adaptive value of a flexible and constructive memory system.
Department
Psychology
Publication Date
11-2009
Journal Title
Applied Cognitive Psychology
Publisher
Wiley
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1002/acp.1619
Document Type
Article
Recommended Citation
Pillemer, D.B. Twenty years after Baddeley (1988): Is the study of autobiographical memory fully functional? (2009) Applied Cognitive Psychology, 23 (8), pp. 1193-1208.
Rights
Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.