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Memory Metaphor

Take a moment to reflect on whether the following statement is true or false: "Memory can be likened to a storage chest in the brain, into which we deposit material and from which we can withdraw it later if needed.  Occasionally, something gets lost from the 'chest,' and then we say we have forgotten.Does that sound like an accurate memory metaphor?  If a chest is archaic, think of a computer.  Memories are files we store in our brain, just as we store files in a computer.  When we want to remember something, we pull the file out from our brain and review it.Does that sound accurate?  This is not a trick question.  Have you made up your mind? Most of you probably thought that the metaphor was accurate.  Is it?  To test it, try this thought experiment:Close your eyes and recall a scene in which you experienced something pleasurable...continue to full post

Full post as published by Crime & Federalism on February 07, 2009 (boomark / email).