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Updated: Jul 24, 2026
11:30
Brain Imaging Investigation of the Neural Correlates of Emotional Autobiographical Recollection
Published on: August 26, 2011
The end point effect in autobiographical memory: more than a calendar is needed
Dorthe Kirkegaard Thomsen1, Dorthe Berntsen
1Department of Psychology, Universit of Aarhus, Denmark. dorthet@psy.au.dk
Memory (Hove, England)
|November 22, 2005
Summary
The end point effect shows more memories recalled from the beginning and end of a time period. This study supports narrative structures as a key factor in autobiographical memory recall.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- The end point effect describes an increased recall of memories from the start and end of a defined period.
- This phenomenon may be explained by internalized calendar representations or narrative structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test differential predictions derived from calendar representation and narrative structure theories.
- To investigate the influence of memory characteristics on the end point effect.
Main Methods:
- Three studies were conducted with student participants (N=104, 106, 89).
- Participants recalled memories from specific periods (relationship, academic term).
- Recalled memories were rated on phenomenology, encoding variables, and rehearsal.
Main Results:
- The end point effect was consistently replicated across all three studies.
- Study 3 indicated a stronger end point effect for positive memories.
- End point memories exhibited higher ratings in phenomenology (Study 1), encoding (Studies 1 & 2), and rehearsal (Study 1).
Conclusions:
- The findings generally support the narrative theory of memory.
- The results are discussed in the context of broader theories of autobiographical memory.
- Narrative structures appear to play a significant role in the end point effect.
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