ABSTRACT

The current study reports two experiments that assessed memory for complex sets of information (i.e., four novels) over the course of several years. This was done to explore several issues, including (a) the content and durability of memory, (b) causal connectivity among the described events, (c) serial position within the novel, (d) pattern of retention and forgetting, and (e) interest in the novel. This study revealed that people remember events read in a novel for long periods of time with a shallow rate of forgetting. We also found that they remembered information better when it was presented earlier on in the novel, was more causally connected to other events in the novel, and was transitional in the character or story plot. Consistent with prior research, reported level of interest was not related to later memory. Because we experience events through different learning modalities (e.g., novels, film, autobiographical experience) which are likely remembered similarly, this research broadens our understanding of how people remember the events they learn about through different means.

摘要

目前的研究报告了两个实验，这些实验评估了数年来复杂信息集（即四本小说）的记忆力。这样做是为了探索几个问题，包括（a）记忆的内容和持久性，（b）所描述事件之间的因果联系，（c）小说中的连续位置，（d）记忆和遗忘的模式，以及（e ) 对小说的兴趣。这项研究表明，人们记住小说中阅读的事件很长一段时间，但遗忘率很低。我们还发现，当信息在小说中较早出现时，他们对信息的记忆力更好，与小说中的其他事件更有因果关系，并且在角色或故事情节中具有过渡性。与先前的研究一致，报告的兴趣水平与后来的记忆无关。