When we recall a memory, we bring back specific details about it. But we often also experience a vivid feeling of remembering the event. Memory researchers call these processes objective and subjective memory. A new study shows they can function independently and involve different parts of the brain.

“The study distinguishes between how well we remember and how well we think we remember, and shows that decision making depends primarily on the subjective evaluation of memory evidence,” says psychologist Denis Guetta.

The researchers tested objective and subjective memory. After showing volunteers a series of images of common objects, the researchers showed them pairs of images and asked them to determine which of the two they had seen before. They were asked to rate the memory as “recollected” (vivid and detailed), or “familiar” (lacking detail). Some tests showed similar image pairs, others unrelated pairs. This setup measured objective memory based on recognition and subjective memory based on vividness.

The researchers also used fMRI (功能性磁共振成像) to measure brain activity during this task. The results showed higher levels of objective memory with pairs of similar images, but participants claimed vivid memories more with dissimilar pairs. They were more likely to base their decision about whether to keep or clear an image on memory feeling rather than accuracy. For example, a person could have a vivid memory of going to an event with friends. Some of the actual details of that memory might be a bit off, but they may feel it is a vivid memory, so they might decide to go out with the same people again.

The fMRI data showed that objective and subjective memory engaged varied regions of the brain. The regions involved in subjective experiences were also involved in decision making, supporting the connection between the two processes.

“By understanding how our brains give rise to vivid subjective memories and memory decisions, we are moving a step closer to understanding how we learn to evaluate memory evidence to make effective decisions in the future,” says researcher Analiz William.

【小题1】How does the author introduce the topic of the text?

A．By analyzing problems.	B．By giving examples.
C．By interpreting findings.	D．By defining concepts.

【小题2】What were the volunteers asked to do during the study?

A．To draw the images they had previously seen.

B．To compare details of objects they had been shown.

C．To categorize their memory as recollected or familiar.

D．To recall specific emotions related to the images shown.

【小题3】What does the research find out about decision making?

A．Both types of memory have great influence on it.

B．Our vivid memory helps us make wise decisions.

C．It mainly relies on subjective memory evaluation.

D．It’s decided by the accuracy of objective memory.

【小题4】What is Analiz William’s attitude towards the study?

A．Optimistic.	B．Tolerant.
C．Doubtful.	D．Dismissive.