Ulric Neisser: Memory: what are the important questions?

What is ecological validity?
The extent to which the conditions of an experiment represent real world phenomenon

How does Neisser define memory?
“Memory” in general does not exist
It is a left over concept from medieval psychology
Theories of memory should reflect human experience

What are the important questions identified by Neisser?
Are there functionally different types of memory
If so what are they
How do we use past experience in meeting the present and future

Why has academic psychology NOT addressed these questions?
Because they believe that the lab work is more important
Developing general principles
Because it’s hard
The drunk and the lamp post

What brought about the demise of classical learning theory?
The findings of the ethologists showed that the contrived results that learning theorists were developing in the lab could not be usefully applied in the naturalistic setting

How can Neisser claim that perhaps “memory” in general does not exist?
Memory” in general does not exist
It is a left over concept from medieval psychology
Theories of memory should reflect human experience

What must we do in order to answer these important questions?
Go into “the wild”
We need to observe individuals in their habitats
Stop trying to use research to support theories instead of explaining behavior