Abstract
BackgroundThe degree to which episodic and semantic memory processes contribute to retrospective self-reports have been shown to depend on the length of reporting period. Robinson and Clore (2002) argued that when the amount of accessible detail decreases due to longer reporting periods, an episodic retrieval strategy is abandoned in favor of a semantic retrieval strategy. The current study further examines this shift between retrieval strategies by conceptually replicating the model of Robinson and Clore (2002) for both emotions and symptoms and by attempting to estimate the exact moment of the theorized shift.MethodA sample of 469 adults reported the extent to which they experienced 8 states (excited, happy, calm, sad, anxious, angry, pain, stress) over 12 time frames (right now to in general). A series of curvilinear and piecewise linear multilevel growth models were used to examine the pattern of response times and response levels (i.e., rated intensity on a 1–5 scale) across the different time frames.ResultsReplicating previous results, both response times and response levels increased with longer time frames. In contrast to prior work, no consistent evidence was found for a change in response patterns that would suggest a shift in retrieval strategies (i.e., a flattening or decrease of the slope for longer time frames). The relationship between the time frames and response times/levels was similar for emotions and symptoms.ConclusionsAlthough the current study showed a pronounced effect of time frame on response times and response levels, it did not replicate prior work that suggested a shift from episodic to semantic memory as time frame duration increased. This indicates that even for longer time frames individuals might attempt to retrieve episodic information to provide a response. We suggest that studies relying on self-report should use the same well-defined time frames across all self-reported measures.
Highlights
The past few years have witnessed an upsurge of interest in research on biases affecting retrospective self-report, leading to some distrust in memory-based measures and to a growing preference for methods inquiring about the state of an individual at the present moment [1]
A series of curvilinear and piecewise linear multilevel growth models were used to examine the pattern of response times and response levels across the different time frames. Replicating previous results, both response times and response levels increased with longer time frames
The current study showed a pronounced effect of time frame on response times and response levels, it did not replicate prior work that suggested a shift from episodic to semantic memory as time frame duration increased
Summary
The past few years have witnessed an upsurge of interest in research on biases affecting retrospective self-report, leading to some distrust in memory-based measures and to a growing preference for methods inquiring about the state of an individual at the present moment [1]. The recall process necessary for valid retrospective self-reports engages the explicit memory system, in which verbalized memories can be actively and consciously searched, recollected, and described to other people It encompasses two independent but related systems: the episodic and the semantic memory system [2,3]. The episodic system is responsible for conscious recollection of specific personal events within their defined spatio-temporal context (experiencenear knowledge); the semantic system enables the acquisition and preservation of decontextualized general knowledge about objects, situations, and relations Both systems are involved in memory recall, the degree of their contribution to retrospective self-reports may differ depending on the features of retrieval, importantly, the length of the reporting period [4]. The current study further examines this shift between retrieval strategies by conceptually replicating the model of Robinson and Clore (2002) for both emotions and symptoms and by attempting to estimate the exact moment of the theorized shift
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