Memory and Society

Memory and Society explores the social factors which influence human memory and our conceptualisation of memory. It examines the relationships between memory, society and culture and considers the relevance of theories of memory to real world issues. The opening section deals with the topic of autobiographical memory. It looks at the role of the self; how the self is shaped by society but also how it is the self which encodes and constructs memories. The Reconstructive nature of episodic memory is considered and how the present acts as the basis for remembering the past, with the rememberer's beliefs, desires and interpretations playing a central role. The middle section looks at the influence of the social environment on learning. It debates the relevance of the application of basic principles gained in laboratory settings to learning and memory in social settings. These principles are used to throw light on topics such as e-learning, eyewitness testimonies and optimal treatment and thinking. Moreover, these real world scenarios are themselves used to throw light on basic principles and how they can be improved.The final section looks at the social consequences and costs of memory deficits, covering normal aging and pathological changes in old age, memory deficits related to dyslexia, working memory problems in everyday cognition, problems in executive functions in chronic alcoholics, and Korsakoff amnesics. It also examines methods of rehabilitation for everyday life.Incorporating contributions from leading international authorities in memory research, as well as new data and ideas for the direction of future research, this book will be invaluable to psychologists working in the fields of memory and society.

'Provides a good introduction to those in any field dealing with the subject of memory, whether in regard to the study of the self or of society as a whole. ... A good guide for those who wish to learn more about recent research on memory in regard to real-life examples. Any person who studies neurology, psychology, psychiatry, culture, society or their interaction would beneifit from reading this book to learn more about how memory is examined in relation to the human experience.' - Mark S. Gold and Dara L. Kolodner, in PsycCRITIQUES, October 2006'Memory and Society moves the discussion of memory and remembering beyond the traditional boundaries of the laboratory and out ‘into the wild’. It contains many interesting and engaging chapters by international authorities in memory research, a wealth of new data and suggestions for future research. The explicit focus on the practical implications of findings, from both laboratory and applied investigations, to real-world problems means the book will have a broad appeal.' - James Ost, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, University of Portsmouth, UK'Memory and Society presents a collection of studies from some of the most eminent international researchers in the field of memory today. The book's prevailing theme is the interplay between memory processes and the social world from a cognitive perspective. This clearly articulated cutting-edge research imparts a very palpable bond between laboratory findings and real world issues.' - Lorna Goddard, Lecturer in Psychology, Goldsmiths College, University of London, 'Provides a good introduction to those in any field dealing with the subject of memory, whether in regard to the study of the self or of society as a whole. ... A good guide for those who wish to learn more about recent research on memory in regard to real-life examples. Any person who studies neurology, psychology, psychiatry, culture, society or their interaction would beneifit from reading this book to learn more about how memory is examined in relation to the human experience.' - Mark S. Gold and Dara L. Kolodner, in PsycCRITIQUES, October 2006'Memory and Society moves the discussion of memory and remembering beyond the traditional boundaries of the laboratory and out ‘into the wild’. It contains many interesting and engaging chapters by international authorities in memory research, a wealth of new data and suggestions for future research. The explicit focus on the practical implications of findings, from both laboratory and applied investigations, to real-world problems means the book will have a broad appeal.' - James Ost, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, University of Portsmouth, UK'Memory and Society presents a collection of studies from some of the most eminent international researchers in the field of memory today. The book's prevailing theme is the interplay between memory processes and the social world from a cognitive perspective. This clearly articulated cutting-edge research imparts a very palpable bond between laboratory findings and real world issues.' - Lorna Goddard, Lecturer in Psychology, Goldsmiths College, University of London