Harvard Thinking How memory works (and doesn’t)
Dec 3, 2025
Join memory experts Dan Schacter, a professor known for his insights on memory errors, Dr. Margaret O'Connor, a neurology specialist focused on Alzheimer’s, and neuroscientist Venki Murthy, who studies neural circuits of perception. They delve into how memory is a constructive process rather than a mere recording. Discover how sensory cues like smell can trigger vivid recollections, the role of distinctiveness in memory retention, and practical strategies for enhancing recall such as spaced repetition and chunking.
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Memory Is Constructive, Not A Recording
- Memory is constructive, not a literal replay of events.
- We integrate general knowledge with specific experiences to rebuild the past.
Proust And The Smell Trigger
- Venki Murthy references Proust to question the smell-memory link in controlled studies.
- He notes people recall episodes tied to smells, not detailed descriptions of the smell itself.
Distinctiveness And Retrieval Strengthen Memory
- Distinctive experiences and meaningful encoding boost later recall.
- Retrieval itself strengthens memories and can create a positive reinforcement loop.
