Abstract
We draw upon the Associative Network model of memory, as well as the principles of encoding-retrieval specificity, and cue distinctiveness, to argue that self-generated cue mnemonics offer an intuitive means of facilitating reliable recall of personally experienced events. The use of a self-generated cue mnemonic allows for the spreading activation nature of memory, whilst also presenting an opportunity to capitalize upon cue distinctiveness. Here, we present the theoretical rationale behind the use of this technique, and highlight the distinction between a self-generated cue and a self-referent cue in autobiographical memory research. We contrast this mnemonic with a similar retrieval technique, Mental Reinstatement of Context, which is recognized as the most effective mnemonic component of the Cognitive Interview. Mental Reinstatement of Context is based upon the principle of encoding-retrieval specificity, whereby the overlap between encoded information and retrieval cue predicts the likelihood of accurate recall. However, it does not incorporate the potential additional benefit of self-generated retrieval cues.
Highlights
Being able to reliably recall a personally experienced event is sometimes of critical importance
We argue that the theory underpinning Mental Reinstatement of Context supports the effectiveness of self-generated cue mnemonics, and that self-generated cues offer an additional opportunity to capitalize upon the benefit of cue distinctiveness
Tulving (2002) suggests that the episodic memory system is relatively early-deteriorating, and Conway (2001) argues that episodic memories persist on a longer-term basis only when incorporated into autobiographical memory structures ( Conway argues that autobiographical memory structures typically consist of one general event, alongside at least one episodic memory)
Summary
Being able to reliably recall a personally experienced event is sometimes of critical importance. The most successful of these build upon established principles of memory, such as the idea that encoding information leaves behind a memory trace comprised of multiple pieces of related information This means that effective retrieval cues are those which contain a large amount of overlap with encoded information, and that different retrieval cues may facilitate the recall of different items of information (Geiselman et al, 1986). We contrast use of self-generated cues with established context reinstatement techniques, in particular Mental Reinstatement of Context, found principally within the eyewitness domain Based upon this discussion, we argue that the theory underpinning Mental Reinstatement of Context supports the effectiveness of self-generated cue mnemonics, and that self-generated cues offer an additional opportunity to capitalize upon the benefit of cue distinctiveness. Our aim throughout this review is to consider how existing memory theories might contribute to the beneficial effect of self-generated cues on recall, as demonstrated by the empirical studies outlined, and not to consider alternative explanations of these findings
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