Facing the Language-Memory Problem in the Study of Autobiographical Memory

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Linguistics
• Social Psychology

Background:

• Autobiographical memory research frequently merges memory and narrative, overlooking language's distinct role.
• Existing studies lack clear distinctions between the recall of autobiographical memories and their narrative construction.
• The social function of language in shaping personal memories remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To differentiate the roles of language and narrative in autobiographical memory construction.
• To investigate how self-other communication influences autobiographical memory through narrative.
• To propose refined methodologies for studying autobiographical memory that account for language's impact.

Main Methods:

• Literature analysis of existing autobiographical memory and narrative studies.
• Conceptual debate on the function of language as a social tool in memory organization.
• Exploration of methodological limitations in current research approaches.

Main Results:

• Language, particularly narrative, acts as a crucial social tool for organizing autobiographical memories into a coherent life story.
• Current methodologies often fail to isolate the influence of language from narrative structure.
• Self-other communication significantly impacts the construction and content of autobiographical memories.

Conclusions:

• Distinguishing between autobiographical memory and narrative is essential for accurate research.
• Language and communication strategies require careful consideration in the design of memory studies.
• Revised methodological approaches are needed to advance the understanding of language's role in autobiographical memory.