Exactly why do people remember what they remember? A recently published review article by Rice University researchers sheds light on this fundamental question and the relationship between factors that influence human memory.
“Tell me why: The missing w in episodic memory is what, where, and when” appears in a special issue of Cognitive, affective and behavioral neuroscience focusing on individual differences in memory modulation. Authors Fernanda Morales-Calva, a graduate student in psychological sciences at Rice, and Stephanie Leal, an adjunct associate professor of psychological sciences, examined existing research to create a comprehensive analysis of the “three Ws” of memory: what, where, and when. we remember, to answer the central question of why people remember.
Specifically, researchers explore how emotional importance, personal relevance, and individual differences shape memory retention. Unlike experimental studies, this review compiles and interprets existing findings to advance the understanding of episodic memory.
The review classifies memory research into three main domains focused on what, where, and when people remember. Morales-Calva and Leal found that memories are often shaped by emotional content, personal meaning, repetition, and attention. For example, individuals are more likely to remember events with deep emotional resonance or details that they actively focus on.
However, what we remember is also influenced by factors such as where the event occurred. What is known as spatial memory is often studied in animals, and researchers said it is also an important aspect of what we remember that applies to human experiences. New environments demand greater attention and therefore foster stronger memories compared to familiar and routine environments.
Finally, the researchers said that the timing of the event makes a difference in what people remember. The way individuals sequence events and recognize transitions between them plays a critical role in memories. Specific events are often compartmentalized into distinct episodes and may therefore be easier for people to remember.
In addition to the what, where and when of memory, Morales-Calva said individual circumstances, including cultural, personal and cognitive differences, can have a significant impact on how individuals remember.
“Memory is not a one-size-fits-all phenomenon,” Morales-Calva said. “What is memorable to one person may be completely forgettable to another, depending on their unique background and cognitive priorities.”
The researchers said that examining why we remember certain experiences rather than others can have significant implications for both clinical and everyday settings. For example, professional memory assessments often rely on standardized tests developed in specific cultural contexts, which have the potential to overlook critical individual differences, the researchers said. These tests may yield biased results when applied to diverse populations, highlighting the need for more personalized approaches.
As the world’s population ages and memory problems become increasingly common, understanding the specific factors that shape memory could inform interventions for conditions such as dementia and cognitive decline, the researchers said.
“This review highlights the importance of considering subjectivity and context in memory research,” Leal said. “By taking these variables into account, we can develop more accurate diagnostic tools and effective interventions.”
The authors argue that the complexity of memory can be better understood when researchers incorporate individual differences into experimental designs. In doing so, they say they hope to bridge the gaps between laboratory findings and real-world applications to foster a deeper understanding of the human experience.