j.jml.2005.08.005

Memory and the Self

Overview

The Self-Memory System (SMS) conceptualizes memory as an integral database of the self, highlighting the relationship between the self and memory. It defines the self as a dynamic construct that is shaped by active goals and self-images, referred to collectively as the 'working self.' The interaction between the working self and long-term memory is reciprocal; autobiographical knowledge shapes the self's identity, while the working self controls access to this knowledge.

Key Concepts

• Working Self: This is a dynamic, goal-oriented representation of the self that is constantly influenced by past experiences. It guides behaviors and shapes identities based on underlying motifs and beliefs.

• Autobiographical Knowledge Base: Contains all episodic memories relevant to an individual's life, contributing to a coherent self-view and guiding future behavior by making relevant memories accessible.

• Cognition Driven by Goals: Cognition is inherently motivated and influences how memories are constructed, recalled, and utilized in day-to-day decision-making.

Memory as Coherent Yet Inaccurate

Memory coherence often leads to distortions where individuals alter or fabricate memories to align with personal beliefs or goals. This phenomenon can be termed coherence or self-coherence and acts to fortify an individual’s sense of identity. Biases in memory can be seen in sports fandom where fans might remember events differently to confirm preexisting beliefs about their team’s performance.

Distinctions in Memory Types

• Coherence vs. Correspondence: Coherence reflects the alignment of memories with personal identity, while correspondence demands that memories accurately reflect reality. This balance is vital for a stable and effective self that can navigate the world efficiently.

• Short-term and Long-term Memory: Recent memories often serve immediate goals but are less coherent over time as individuals prioritize long-term goal processing.

The Working Self and Memory Integration

Managing Goals

The working self governs the prioritization of goals, ensuring that autobiographical memories that support these goals are easily retrievable. This integration of short- and long-term memories helps sustain an active and consistent view of oneself, even amidst changing contexts and experiences.

Goal Hierarchies

The organization of goals and sub-goals reflects discrepancies between desired states and actual conditions, aiding in behavior regulation. The working self continuously regulates memory access based on current goal relevance, allowing the retrieval of appropriate autobiographical knowledge.

Memory Retrieval Dynamics

Constructing Memories

Memory retrieval is an active process characterized by a cyclical nature that includes searching, evaluating, and elaborating on cues derived from internal or external prompts. This generative retrieval can initially start with a cue's broad context before honing in on specific memories, suggesting that elaboration forms the basis of memory construction.

Autobiographical Memory and Its Evolution

The SMS model posits that the integration of episodic memories with autobiographical knowledge forms a rich tapestry of personal history, critical for self-concept development and memory coherence. Insights drawn from neuroanatomical research elaborate on the interplay between various brain regions during memory formation and retrieval, highlighting different systems for episodic and conceptual memory.

Neuroanatomical Considerations

Brain Structure and Autobiographical Memory

Neuroimaging studies demonstrate a distributed network of activations during autobiographical recall, particularly involving regions associated with both episodic memory (e.g., hippocampus) and higher-order cognitive processes (e.g., prefrontal cortex). Understanding how different brain areas contribute to unique types of memory retrieval can yield insights into various cognitive processes governing personal history.

Two Memory Systems

The SMS proposes the existence of two memory systems: an older episodic memory system primarily concerned with immediate goals, and a newer knowledge-based system that organizes life experiences into a coherent narrative. This dualism allows individuals to engage in complex goal-oriented actions while retaining a sense of past continuity and self-identity, essential for long-term planning and understanding personal history.

Conclusion

The exploration of the Self-Memory System highlights the intricate balance between goals, memory, and identity, demonstrating how active self-representation shapes the experience and retrieval of personal memories. Insights from neuroanatomy and cognition contribute to a deeper understanding of how memories afford individuals a coherent narrative and guide behaviors throughout life.