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Kathios N, Bloom PA, Singh A, Bartlett E, Algharazi S, Siegelman M, Shen F, Beresford L, DiMaggio-Potter ME, Bennett S, Natarajan N, Ou Y, Loui P, Aly M, Tottenham N. On the role of familiarity and developmental exposure in music-evoked autobiographical memories. Memory 2025; 33:178-192. [PMID: 39495656 DOI: 10.1080/09658211.2024.2420973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 10/17/2024] [Indexed: 11/06/2024]
Abstract
Music-evoked autobiographical memories (MEAMs) are typically elicited by music that listeners have heard before. While studies that have directly manipulated music familiarity show that familiar music evokes more MEAMs than music listeners have not heard before, music that is unfamiliar to the listener can also sporadically cue autobiographical memory. Here we examined whether music that sounds familiar even without previous exposure can produce spontaneous MEAMs. Cognitively healthy older adults (N = 75, ages 65-80 years) listened to music clips that were chosen by researchers to be either familiar or unfamiliar (i.e., varying by prior exposure). Participants then disclosed whether the clip elicited a MEAM and later provided self-reported familiarity ratings for each. Self-reported familiarity was positively associated with the occurrence of MEAMs in response to familiar, but not the unfamiliar, music. The likelihood of reporting MEAMs for music released during youth (i.e., the "reminiscence bump") relative to young adulthood (20-25 years) included both music released during participants' adolescence (14-18 years) and middle childhood (5-9 years) once self-reported familiarity was accounted for. These developmental effects could not be accounted for by music-evoked affect. Overall, our results suggest that the phenomenon of MEAMs hinges upon both perceptions of familiarity and prior exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Kathios
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Anshita Singh
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Ella Bartlett
- Department of Psychology, Barnard College of Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sameah Algharazi
- Department of Psychology, City College of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Fan Shen
- Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lea Beresford
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Sarah Bennett
- Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Yongtian Ou
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Psyche Loui
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mariam Aly
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Nim Tottenham
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Schlintl C, Zorjan S, Schienle A. Olfactory imagery as a retrieval method for autobiographical memories. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2023; 87:862-871. [PMID: 35790564 PMCID: PMC10017607 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-022-01701-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The retrieval of autobiographical memories is influenced by several factors, such as sensory modality and the emotional salience of memory cues. This study aimed at investigating the interaction between sensory modalities (olfaction, vision) and emotional dimensions (valence, arousal) of imagery cues, on the frequency, quality, and age distribution of the autobiographical memories (AMs) elicited. METHOD A total of 296 females (aged between 18 and 35 years) received one out of eight brief instructions for olfactory or visual imagery. The participants were asked to create a mental image with either high arousal/positive valence, high arousal/negative valence, low arousal/positive valence, or low arousal/negative valence (e.g., 'imagine an unpleasant and arousing odor/scene'); no specific stimulus was mentioned in the instruction. RESULTS The approach used elicited imagery with autobiographical content in the majority of participants (78%). In terms of frequency, odor imagery, compared to visual imagery, turned out to be more effective at retrieving either unpleasant memories associated with experiences in adulthood, or pleasant childhood memories. In terms of quality, the imagery was rated as less vivid in the olfactory compared to the visual condition (irrespective of valence and arousal of the imagery instruction). Visual imagery was associated with the experience of more diverse emotions (happiness, sadness, anxiety, anger) than odor imagery, which was related primarily with disgust and happiness. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that nonspecific imagery induction is a useful approach in accessing AM. IMPLICATION This approach presents promising clinical applications, such as in working with autobiographical memory narratives in psychotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Schlintl
- Clinical Psychology, University of Graz, BioTechMed, Universitätsplatz 2/III, 8010, Graz, Austria.
| | - Saša Zorjan
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Maribor, Slomškov trg 15, 2000, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Anne Schienle
- Clinical Psychology, University of Graz, BioTechMed, Universitätsplatz 2/III, 8010, Graz, Austria
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Bogenschütz L, Bermeitinger C, Brörken A, Schlüter H, Hackländer RP. Odor associated memories are not necessarily highly emotional. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2022; 230:103767. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2022.103767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Yamamoto K, Yokomitsu K, Kobayashi T. Development of the function of autobiographical memories evoked by odor scale for older Japanese people. Front Psychol 2022; 13:945002. [PMID: 35936247 PMCID: PMC9355718 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.945002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Odor-evoked autobiographical memory and related psychological changes have been evaluated based on several factors, such as emotionality, clarity, and re-experience. We developed the Function of Autobiographical Memories Evoked by Odor Scale (FAMOS) for older Japanese people as a new method for comprehensively evaluating the functions of odor-evoked autobiographical memory. We used the diary method; participants were instructed to record the contents of everyday involuntary autobiographical memories triggered by odor and complete the FAMOS. In Study 1, 600 older adults were surveyed to select items for the FAMOS and examine the factor structure. An exploratory factor analysis with PROMAX rotation using the maximum likelihood method resulted in four factors: (1) Evoking positive emotion, (2) Identity, (3) Facilitating communication, and (4) Coping with negative emotion. Sufficient reliability was demonstrated. In Study 2, the FAMOS's validity was examined in 600 older adults. We found significant correlations (Pearson) with the affective valence of odors, the Odor-evoked Autobiographical Memory Questionnaire, and other scales, confirming the validity of the FAMOS. In Study 3, the FAMOS was administered to 600 younger and 600 older adults; generational differences were compared for further validity. Older adults had higher “Evoking positive emotion,” “Identity,” and “Facilitating communication” scores on the FAMOS than younger adults, suggesting a fair degree of reliability and validity of the FAMOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohsuke Yamamoto
- Faculty of International Studies, Osaka Sangyo University, Osaka, Japan
- *Correspondence: Kohsuke Yamamoto
| | - Kengo Yokomitsu
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Human Environments, Okazaki, Japan
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Cameron EL, Köster EP, Møller P. Is Novelty Detection Important in Long-Term Odor Memory? Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11091146. [PMID: 34573167 PMCID: PMC8470488 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11091146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Memory for odors is believed to be longer-lasting than memory for visual stimuli, as is evidenced by flat forgetting curves. However, performance on memory tasks is typically weaker in olfaction than vision. Studies of odor memory that use forced-choice methods confound responses that are a result of a trace memory and responses that can be obtained through process of elimination. Moreover, odor memory is typically measured with common stimuli, which are more familiar and responses may be confounded by verbal memory, and measure memory in intentional learning conditions, which are ecologically questionable. Here we demonstrate the value of using tests of memory in which hit rate and correct rejection rate are evaluated separately (i.e., not using forced-choice methods) and uncommon stimuli are used. This study compared memory for common and uncommon odors and pictures that were learned either intentionally (Exp. 1) or incidentally (Exp. 2) and tested with either a forced-choice or a one-stimulus-at-a-time (“monadic”) recognition task after delays of 15 min, 48 h or 1 week. As expected, memory declined with delay in most conditions, but depended upon the particular measure of memory and was better for pictures than odors and for common than uncommon stimuli. For common odors, hit rates decreased with delay but correct rejection rates remained constant with delay. For common pictures, we found the opposite result, constant hit rates and decreased correct rejection rates. Our results support the ‘misfit theory of conscious olfactory perception’, which highlights the importance of the detection of novelty in olfactory memory and suggests that olfactory memory should be studied using more ecologically valid methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Leslie Cameron
- Department of Psychological Science, Carthage College, 2001 Alford Park Drive, Kenosha, WI 53140, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - E. P. Köster
- Helmholtz Institute, University of Utretch, Wildforsterweg 4A, 3881NJ Putten, The Netherlands;
| | - Per Møller
- Per Møller Consulting, Langemosevej 17, 2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark;
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Cornell Kärnekull S, Arshamian A, Willander J, Jönsson FU, Nilsson ME, Larsson M. The reminiscence bump is blind to blindness: Evidence from sound- and odor-evoked autobiographical memory. Conscious Cogn 2020; 78:102876. [PMID: 31923883 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2019.102876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The reminiscence bump is the disproportionally high reporting of autobiographical memories from adolescence and early adulthood and is typically observed when memories are evoked by cues, such as words, pictures, and sounds. However, when odors are used the bump shifts to early childhood. Although these findings indicate that sensory modality affects the bump, the influence of the individual's sensory function on the reminiscence bumps is unknown. We examined the reminiscence bumps of sound- and odor-evoked autobiographical memories of early blind and sighted individuals, since early blindness implies considerable effects on sensory experience. Despite differences in sensory experience between blind and sighted individuals, the groups displayed similar age distributions of both sound- and odor-evoked memories. The auditory bump spanned the first two decades of life, whereas the olfactory bump was once again found in early childhood. These results demonstrate that the reminiscence bumps are robust to fundamental differences in sensory experience.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Artin Arshamian
- Gösta Ekman Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Willander
- Department of Occupational Health Science and Psychology, University of Gävle, Gävle, Sweden
| | | | - Mats E Nilsson
- Gösta Ekman Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Larsson
- Gösta Ekman Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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An in-depth review of the methods, findings, and theories associated with odor-evoked autobiographical memory. Psychon Bull Rev 2019; 26:401-429. [PMID: 30406397 DOI: 10.3758/s13423-018-1545-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Over the past nearly 35 years, there has been sporadic interest in what has commonly come to be known as the Proust phenomenon, whereby autobiographical memories are retrieved and experienced differently when evoked by odors as compared with other types of cues, such as words, images or sounds. The purpose of this review is threefold. First, we provide a detailed analysis of the methods used to investigate Proust effects. Second, we review and analyze the various findings from the literature and determine what we feel to be the most important and stable findings. Third, we provide a series of previously postulated and new hypotheses that attempt to account for the various findings. Given the early stage of research, the current review aims to provide a measure of organization to the field, as well serve as a guide for how future investigations may address the topic. We conclude with the recommendation that research in this area shift its focus from establishing the phenomenon towards explaining its causes.
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Sim S, Shin JE, Sohn YW. Effects of Non-verbal Priming on Attachment-Style Activation. Front Psychol 2019; 10:684. [PMID: 31024376 PMCID: PMC6459896 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Using an affective priming procedure, two experiments examined the effects of non-verbal cues on activating attachment styles. In Study 1, the secure attachment group, which was primed non-verbally, showed higher levels of self-esteem, interpersonal competence, and positive affect than the insecure attachment group, which was also primed non-verbally. In contrast, no significant difference was found between the two attachment groups that were primed verbally. In Study 2, using a different priming method and adding a neutral group, similar interactions between priming modality (non-verbal or verbal cues) and attachment styles were found: the differences in self-esteem, interpersonal competence, and positive affect between the secure attachment group, neutral group, and insecure attachment group were greater when primed non-verbally than when primed verbally. Finally, the limitations of the research and recommendations for follow-up study are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhyung Sim
- Department of Psychology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji-eun Shin
- Department of Psychology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Young Woo Sohn
- Department of Psychology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
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9
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de Bruijn MJ, Bender M. Olfactory cues are more effective than visual cues in experimentally triggering autobiographical memories. Memory 2017; 26:547-558. [DOI: 10.1080/09658211.2017.1381744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maaike J. de Bruijn
- Department of Social Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Bender
- Department of Social Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
- Gratia Christian College, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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10
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Piekarski DJ, Johnson CM, Boivin JR, Thomas AW, Lin WC, Delevich K, M Galarce E, Wilbrecht L. Does puberty mark a transition in sensitive periods for plasticity in the associative neocortex? Brain Res 2017; 1654:123-144. [PMID: 27590721 PMCID: PMC5283387 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.08.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Postnatal brain development is studded with sensitive periods during which experience dependent plasticity is enhanced. This enables rapid learning from environmental inputs and reorganization of cortical circuits that matches behavior with environmental contingencies. Significant headway has been achieved in characterizing and understanding sensitive period biology in primary sensory cortices, but relatively little is known about sensitive period biology in associative neocortex. One possible mediator is the onset of puberty, which marks the transition to adolescence, when animals shift their behavior toward gaining independence and exploring their social world. Puberty onset correlates with reduced behavioral plasticity in some domains and enhanced plasticity in others, and therefore may drive the transition from juvenile to adolescent brain function. Pubertal onset is also occurring earlier in developed nations, particularly in unserved populations, and earlier puberty is associated with vulnerability for substance use, depression and anxiety. In the present article we review the evidence that supports a causal role for puberty in developmental changes in the function and neurobiology of the associative neocortex. We also propose a model for how pubertal hormones may regulate sensitive period plasticity in associative neocortex. We conclude that the evidence suggests puberty onset may play a causal role in some aspects of associative neocortical development, but that further research that manipulates puberty and measures gonadal hormones is required. We argue that further work of this kind is urgently needed to determine how earlier puberty may negatively impact human health and learning potential. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI: Adolescent plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Piekarski
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley CA 94720, USA
| | - Carolyn M Johnson
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley CA 94720, USA
| | - Josiah R Boivin
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco CA 94158, USA
| | - A Wren Thomas
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley CA 94720, USA
| | - Wan Chen Lin
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley CA 94720, USA
| | - Kristen Delevich
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley CA 94720, USA
| | - Ezequiel M Galarce
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley CA 94720, USA
| | - Linda Wilbrecht
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley CA 94720, USA; Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley CA 94720, USA.
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11
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Mojet J, Köster E, Holthuysen N, Van Veggel R, De Wijk R, Schepers H, Vermeer F. The emotional influence of flowers on social perception and memory: An exploratory study. Food Qual Prefer 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2016.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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12
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Koppel J, Rubin DC. Recent Advances in Understanding the Reminiscence Bump: The Importance of Cues in Guiding Recall from Autobiographical Memory. CURRENT DIRECTIONS IN PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2016; 25:135-149. [PMID: 27141156 PMCID: PMC4850910 DOI: 10.1177/0963721416631955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The reminiscence bump is the increased proportion of autobiographical memories from youth and early adulthood observed in adults over 40. It is one of the most robust findings in autobiographical memory research. Although described as a single period of increased memories, a recent meta-analysis which reported the beginning and ending ages of the bump from individual studies found that different classes of cues produce distinct bumps that vary in size and temporal location. The bump obtained in response to cue words is both smaller and located earlier in the lifespan than the bump obtained when important memories are requested. The bump obtained in response to odor cues is even earlier. This variation in the size and location of the reminiscence bump argues for theories based primarily on retrieval rather than encoding and retention, which most current theories stress. Furthermore, it points to the need to develop theories of autobiographical memory that account for this flexibility in the memories retrieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Koppel
- Center on Autobiographical Memory Research, Aarhus University
| | - David C. Rubin
- Duke University; Center on Autobiographical Memory Research, Aarhus University
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Willander J, Sikström S, Karlsson K. Multimodal retrieval of autobiographical memories: sensory information contributes differently to the recollection of events. Front Psychol 2015; 6:1681. [PMID: 26594186 PMCID: PMC4633501 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies on autobiographical memory have focused on unimodal retrieval cues (i.e., cues pertaining to one modality). However, from an ecological perspective multimodal cues (i.e., cues pertaining to several modalities) are highly important to investigate. In the present study we investigated age distributions and experiential ratings of autobiographical memories retrieved with unimodal and multimodal cues. Sixty-two participants were randomized to one of four cue-conditions: visual, olfactory, auditory, or multimodal. The results showed that the peak of the distributions depends on the modality of the retrieval cue. The results indicated that multimodal retrieval seemed to be driven by visual and auditory information to a larger extent and to a lesser extent by olfactory information. Finally, no differences were observed in the number of retrieved memories or experiential ratings across the four cue-conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Willander
- Department of Social Work and Psychology, University of Gävle Gä vle, Sweden ; Gösta Ekman Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Stockholm University Stockholm, Sweden
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Koppel J, Berntsen D. Beyond the distinction between word-cued versus important autobiographical memories: A reply. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN MEMORY AND COGNITION 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jarmac.2015.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Rubin DC. One bump, two bumps, three bumps, four? Using retrieval cues to divide one autobiographical memory reminiscence bump into many. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN MEMORY AND COGNITION 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jarmac.2014.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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16
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Koppel J, Berntsen D. The peaks of life: The differential temporal locations of the reminiscence bump across disparate cueing methods. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN MEMORY AND COGNITION 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jarmac.2014.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Crossmodal correspondences between odors and contingent features: odors, musical notes, and geometrical shapes. Psychon Bull Rev 2014; 20:878-96. [PMID: 23463615 DOI: 10.3758/s13423-013-0397-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Olfactory experiences represent a domain that is particularly rich in crossmodal associations. Whereas associations between odors and tastes, or other properties of their typical sources such as color or temperature, can be straightforwardly explained by associative learning, other matchings are much harder to explain in these terms, yet surprisingly are shared across individuals: The majority of people, for instance, associate certain odors and auditory features, such as pitch (Belkin, Martin, Kemp, & Gilbert, Psychological Science 8:340-342, 1997; Crisinel & Spence, Chemical Senses 37:151-158, 2012b) or geometrical shapes (Hanson-Vaux, Crisinel, & Spence, Chemical Senses 38:161-166, 2013; Seo, Arshamian, et al., Neuroscience Letters 478:175-178, 2010). If certain odors might indeed have been encountered while listening to certain pieces of music or seeing certain geometrical shapes, these encounters are very unlikely to have been statistically more relevant than others; for this reason, associative learning from regular exposure is ruled out, and thus alternative explanations in terms of metaphorical mappings are usually defended. Here we argue that these associations are not primarily conceptual or linguistic, but are grounded in structural perceptual or neurological determinants. These cases of crossmodal correspondences established between contingent environmental features can be explained as amodal, indirect, and transitive mappings across modalities. Surprising associations between odors and contingent sensory features can be investigated as genuine cases of crossmodal correspondences, akin to other widespread cases of functional correspondences that hold, for instance, between auditory and visual features, and can help reveal the structural determinants weighing on the acquisition of these crossmodal associations.
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Czerniawska E, Zegardło E, Wojciechowski J. Memories evoked by odors stimulating the olfactory nerve versus odors stimulating both the olfactory and trigeminal nerves: possible qualitative differences? Percept Mot Skills 2014; 117:1290-8. [PMID: 24422354 DOI: 10.2466/24.27.pms.117x15z5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to establish whether autobiographical memories differ when a stimulus producing olfactory or/and trigeminal sensations was used as memory cue. The following hypothesis was formulated: memories evoked by odors activating the trigeminal and olfactory nerves would be subjectively assessed as more detailed, more clear, more important and less happy, as compared to memories evoked by odors activating exclusively the olfactory nerve. The hypothesis was based on the assumption that trigeminal odors are perceived as signaling potential threats for the organism. 30 Polish psychology students (M age = 22 yr.; 20 women, 10 men) were tested using six odors: three stimulating the olfactory nerve only and three stimulating both the olfactory and trigeminal nerves. Participants were asked whether a particular odor evoked any memories, and if they answered "yes," they were to respond to four questions related to the qualities of the memory. Ratings of memories evoked by odors that stimulated the olfactory nerve and those that stimulated both the olfactory and trigeminal nerves differed in clarity. Odors stimulating the trigeminal nerve may induce less happy memories. The results are promising as to the role of the trigeminal system in coding and retrieval of survival-related memories.
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Stevenson RJ. Phenomenal and access consciousness in olfaction. Conscious Cogn 2009; 18:1004-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2009.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2009] [Revised: 09/04/2009] [Accepted: 09/13/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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