Visual object imagery and autobiographical memory: Object Imagers are better at remembering their personal past
In the present study we examined whether higher levels of object imagery, a stable characteristic that reflects the ability and preference in generating pictorial mental images of objects, facilitate involuntary and voluntary retrieval of autobiographical memories (ABMs) Individuals with high (High OI) and low (Low OI) levels of object imagery were asked to perform an involuntary and a voluntary ABM task in the laboratory. Results showed that High OI participants generated more involuntary and voluntary ABMs than Low OI, with faster retrieval times. High OI also reported more detailed memories compared to Low OI and retrieved memories as visual images. Theoretical implications of these findings for research on voluntary and involuntary ABMs are discussed.
Memory