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information entity > theoretical entity > theory > fuzzy trace theory

Preferred term

fuzzy trace theory  

Definition

  • Theory postulating that information is stored in parallel under two types of traces: verbatim traces representing the surface details of the stimuli and gist traces representing the general and thematic meaning of the stimuli.

Broader concept

Synonym(s)

  • FTT

Bibliographic citation(s)

  • • Brainerd, C. J., & Reyna, V. F. (1995). Fuzzy-trace theory: An interim synthesis. Learning and Individual Differences, 7(1), 1–75. https://doi.org/10.1016/1041-6080(95)90031-4

    [Study type: literature review / Access: closed]

  • • Brainerd, C. J., & Reyna, V. F. (2001). Fuzzy-trace theory: Dual account in memory, reasoning, and cognitive neuroscience. Advances in Child Development and Behavior, 28, 41–100. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0065-2407(02)80062-3

    [Study type: literature review / Access: closed]

  • • Brainerd, C. J., & Reyna, V. F. (2019). Fuzzy-trace theory, false memory, and the law. Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 6(1), 79–86. https://doi.org/10.1177/2372732218797143

    [Study type: literature review / Access: open]

  • • Brainerd, C., & Reyna, V. (2004). Fuzzy-trace theory and memory development. Developmental Review, 24(4), 396–439. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dr.2004.08.005

    [Study type: literature review / Access: closed]

  • • Helm, R. K., & Reyna, V. F. (2023). Fuzzy trace theory: Memory and decision-making in law, medicine, and public health. In R. H. Logie, Z. Wen, S. E. Gathercole, N. Cowan, & R. W. Engle (Eds.), Memory in science for society: There is nothing as practical as a good theory (pp. 93–122). Oxford University Press.

    [Study type: literature review / Access: closed]

Creator

  • Frank Arnould

Reviewed by

  • Patrice Terrier

Dataset citation(s)

  • • Van Eersel, G., Verkoeijen, P., & Bouwmeester, S. (2017, March 14). Does retrieval practice depend on semantic cues? Assessing the fuzzy trace account of the testing effect. https://osf.io/nx3zm/

Editorial note

  • Fuzzy Trace Theory is based on several principles, which are as follows in the case of false memories (Brainerd & Reyna, 2019, p. 80): “Verbatim and gist: Subjects process the surface form and meaning of events, storing separate traces of each. Dissociated retrieval: Recountings are based on the retrieval of both verbatim and gist traces. Some cues favor verbatim retrieval; others favor gist retrieval. Opponent processes: Verbatim and gist retrieval both support true memory. Gist retrieval supports ‘false’ memories of meaning-consistent events, whereas verbatim retrieval suppresses false memories. Development: Memory for the verbatim form and semantic content of experience both improve during development. Gist improvements are more protracted with age than verbatim improvements. Individual differences: Some individuals are more susceptible to false memory, such as individuals with poor verbatim memories or who preferentially retrieve gist. Phantom recollection: Verbatim and gist retrieval can both produce vivid, realistic recollections that are difficult to distinguish.”

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URI

http://data.loterre.fr/ark:/67375/P66-M5LZJTD5-F

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