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Episodic memory must be grounded in reality in order to be useful in communication

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 January 2018

Hartmut Blank*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, PO1 2DY, United Kingdom. hartmut.blank@port.ac.ukhttp://www.port.ac.uk/department-of-psychology/staff/dr-hartmut-blank.html

Abstract

The primary function of episodic memory is to provide reliable information about reality that is essential for surviving and navigating in an environment. The communicative function of episodic memory “sits on top of” this basic function but does not, in itself, explain it in its totality (but may explain particular aspects such as its sensitivity to source credibility).

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2018 

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