On the same wavelength: The impact of other-generated cues on the reported retrieval processes and qualities of autobiographical memories.

Abstract

In autobiographical memory cuing studies, self-generated retrieval cues lead to fast, effortless retrieval of rich memories. In everyday life, retrieval cues may often be provided by other people. We compared self-generated cues to other-generated cues, in terms of their impact on retrieval processes and memory qualities. In Experiment 1, participants were romantic couples. In Experiment 2, participants were pairs of strangers. Participants generated personalised cues (people, places) either for themselves or their experimental partner. Participants then retrieved autobiographical memories to personalised and generic cues. For couples, both self-and other-generated cues yielded higher rates of direct retrieval and richer memories than generic cues. For strangers, other-generated cues were less effective than self-generated cues and yielded less rich memories. Findings support the possibility that close family and friends have a particular ability to cue our memories, by providing us with autobiographically-relevant cue content that yields fast, effortless, and rich remembering experiences.