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A mnemonic theory of odor perception
Richard J Stevenson1, Robert A Boakes
1Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia. rstevens@psy.mq.edu.au
Psychological Review
|May 16, 2003
Summary
Odor quality perception is linked to implicit memories evoked by odorants, not just their chemical profiles. Experience significantly shapes how we identify and distinguish smells, suggesting a memory-based model of olfaction.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Olfactory Science
Background:
- The psychological basis of odor quality is not well understood.
- Current odor descriptions often rely on profiling, linking smells to familiar odorants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose that odor quality perception is primarily based on implicit memories elicited by odorants.
- To review evidence supporting a memory-based model of odor perception.
- To examine the model's consistency with neurophysiological and neuropsychological data.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing developmental and cross-cultural research on odor perception.
- Proposal of a new model for odor quality based on implicit memory.
- Examination of neurophysiological and neuropsychological data.
Main Results:
- Odor quality and discrimination abilities are demonstrably affected by individual experience.
- Developmental and cross-cultural studies support the role of experience in olfactory perception.
Conclusions:
- Odor quality perception is fundamentally tied to the implicit memories an odorant evokes.
- The proposed memory-based model offers a framework for understanding olfactory perception.
- The model aligns with both neurophysiological and neuropsychological findings.