Research suggests that our memory for personal events (e.g., very important moments in our lives as well as day-to-day events) ____.
A) is like a literal tape recorder
B) is like a literal photograph
C) is often based on our expectations of what "must have been true" based on our current self-concepts
D) is often based on our expectations of what "must have been true" based on our past self-concepts (our self-concepts when the events occurred)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Research shows that our memory for personal events is often influenced by our expectations of what "must have been true" based on our current self-concepts. Our memories can be biased by our current beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge, leading us to reconstruct past events in ways that are consistent with our current understanding of ourselves and the world around us. This phenomenon is known as "memory schemas" or "reconstructive memory." Our memories are not like literal tape recorders or photographs, as they are always subject to interpretation and reconstruction. Option D is incorrect because research suggests that our memories may be influenced by our current self-concepts, not our past self-concepts.

Research Suggests That Our Memory for Personal Events (E