Cross-cultural variability of component processes in autobiographical remembering: Japan, Turkey, and the USA

David C. Rubin, Robert W. Schrauf, Sami Gulgoz, Makiko Naka

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

Although the underlying mechanics of autobiographical memory may be identical across cultures, the processing of information differs. Undergraduates from Japan, Turkey, and the USA rated 30 autobiographical memories on 15 phenomenological and cognitive properties. Mean values were similar across cultures, with means from the Japanese sample being lower on most measures but higher on belief in the accuracy of their memories. Correlations within individuals were also similar across cultures, with correlations from the Turkish sample being higher between measures of language and measures of recollection and belief. For all three cultures, in multiple regression analyses, measures of recollection were predicted by visual imagery, auditory imagery, and emotions, whereas measures of belief were predicted by knowledge of the setting. These results show subtle cultural differences in the experience of remembering.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)536-547
Number of pages12
JournalMemory
Volume15
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2007

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
  • Psychology(all)

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