The autobiographical memory test: Differences in memory specificity across three recall elicitation methods

Abstract

The most commonly used measure of autobiographical memory specificity is the Autobiographical Memory Test (AMT). There is substantial variability in the manner in which this test is administered. One such variation involves the format of memory recall (e.g., interview, handwritten, or computer-typed responses); uneven social and cognitive demands involved in each format likely influence memory performance, but links between elicitation context and memory quality have not been experimentally examined. This investigation explored the effect of retrieval context on memory specificity by randomly assigning 177 emerging adults to complete interview, handwritten, or computerized forms of the AMT. Results indicated a significant effect of retrieval context; those in the interview condition provided fewer autobiographical memories, fewer specific memories, and more overgeneral extended and categoric memories than did those in the computer and handwritten conditions. These effects were not explained by psychopathological symptoms or executive function abilities. Implications for models of autobiographical specificity are discussed.