Cognitive Models that shaped the development of the intervention
The Multi Store Model of Memory (Atkinson & Shiffrin,1968) postulates that environmental input enters the sensory memory if it is attended to, then travels to the STM and if it is properly rehearsed it then enters the LTM unit (encoding), becoming permanent (storage) and allowing for later retrieval. Retrieval processes are also associated to better establishment to the LTM unit (consolidation). Moreover, the Multiple Memory Model, (Tulving,1972) differentiates between two types of declarative memory, the semantic (factual information) and the episodic (linked to AM) and introduces the encoding specificity principle, which stresses the necessity of cues for effective memory retrieval. Empirical data coming from brain imaging techniques, animal studies, computational modeling and neuropharmacology, provide evidence for that memory is non- unitary (as suggested in these early theories) and that distinct memory elements (systems) can be damaged in separation leading to distinct memory impairments. Self Memory-System (Conway & Pleydell-Pearce, 2000)
The cognitive model that better describes how Sensecam (SC) use is highly promising as to autobiographical memory (AM) support is the Self Memory System model, which is validated by memory impaired patients and striking neuroimaging data (2000). The model postulates that memory, being highly related to one’s self concept, is composed by two LTM related elements (Conway, 2005 p.594). 1. The working self monitors accessibility to long term knowledge (memory) and is concerned with synchronization and management of personal goals and associated self images, memory formation and consolidation. 2. Autobiographical knowledge base, (AKB) which is sub-divided to episodic knowledge and autobiographical knowledge, composing different systems defines the self. Autobiographical knowledge is divided in levels of specificity progressing from ‘abstract conceptual knowledge’, to ‘event specific conceptual knowledge. The levels start in the life story (containing factual information), move to lifetime periods (categorized in themes), then general events that bunch to those themes and finally specific events substrates. The latter two kinds of knowledge allow insight to episodic memories (p.608). Episodic memories are rich in visual images and contain experience-derived knowledge, specific to the current event. Under this view, AM formation occurs upon simultaneous activation of AKB and episodic memories; as guided by working self and Long Term Memory cue-induced activation. On the other hand, AM recall occurs when EMs surface into the person’s consciousness and the Proustian Moment takes place (PM: a lively recollection of the memory that resembles relieving the experience in great detail). Conway emphasizes the importance of self-images in providing the individual with cues that enable event, AKB, EM and AM access. The working self supervises this complex procedure and amongst others, controls these cues, activates AKB and hence, takes active part in AB memory encoding and retrieval. Similarly AKB influences the working self sub-components (goals and self images). |
Loveday and Conway (2011) suggested that not being able to remember a formed memory might link to enduring erase of those memories from the LTM or interference but might equally resemble difficulties in producing or discovering cues that would lead to accessing the memory. This assumption is well illustrated when considering that amnesic patients often achieve cue-aided memory recall, suggesting that if a memory manages to enter the LTM it cannot be removed unless the corresponding neural network’s functioning is disrupted. Constant cue production, leads to identification/construction of a cue that efficiently allows for EM and AM access and this is exactly what SC does. And paired with spaced repetition it leads to event integration to the patient’s LTM unit supporting memory consolidation and later retrieval. Theoretical rationale for using SC The cues provided by SC mimic episodic memories in that they achieve a holistic capture of sequences, signified by provision of a plethora of visual details (similar to EM content) that can serve as AB memory aids. The material comply to an individual and highly personal viewpoint, with the procedure being unobtrusive, since the recording is automatic and does not require conscious awareness or intentional disruption of the patient’s experience (similar to how EM are formed). |