Everyday memory

Abstract

This chapter is concerned with memory processes that occur within one’s typical daily environment. It first considers autobiographical memories, memories about us and our personal experiences, exploring theories and characteristics of autobiographical memories. The chapter then explores a type of everyday memory that has important implications, eyewitness testimony. The focus is on factors which can influence the accuracy of eyewitness testimony, for example, the impact of post-event information. The focus of the chapter then shifts to false memories, recollections of events that did not occur and distortions of events that did. The chapter considers false memories in both list learning and autobiographical events. Finally, the chapter explores prospective memory, remembering to carry out tasks in the future. The chapter presents findings from several studies that have utilised a range of methods and explains several useful applications of this research.