Stavya Week 13: Early Memories
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When do we start creating memories and what is the significance of our earliest memories ? This article I recently read provides considerable insight on these two questions by discussing the results of a study conducted by researchers at Memorial University in Newfoundland.
The study determined that earliest memories are, on average, from when we were 2.5 years old, contrary to scientists’ former belief that the formation of memories begins at the age of 3 to 4 years old. So, why does the ability to recall early memories vary from person to person and what does that say about them? There is no clear consensus on the implications of being able to vividly remember events from your early childhood, but it may say a lot about people and the environment they were brought up in. For example, an ability to recall early events is generally linked with greater intelligence and supportive parental influence.
The overarching issue with the study, as admitted by the researchers who conducted it, is that the ability to recall memories at any given time is highly arbitrary. A person may be able to recall a specific event at one time but have no recollection of it at another. Furthermore, your ability to recall your earliest memory is also a skill that you can develop over time. According to the study, a series of interviews, along with many follow-ups, over a year or so can lead to earlier recall. In essence, our earliest memories are malleable.
Our early memories are a fascinating mystery that we have not been able to get to the bottom of yet. The question of when our first memories are created is a black box: it may very well be that our earliest memories are stored in some part of our brain that we cannot access. However, even though our recollection of early events is very limited, we should cherish the few memories that we have.
These memories are a part of us that we cannot forget, a part of us that says a lot about who we truly are. Furthermore, according to the study, they are also significant for our mental wellbeing. Knowledge of these memories can allow us to construct a more positive self-image. For example, remembering the time when you fell off of your bike can reinforce can push you to think of yourself as a person who has always had to face challenges in their life yet has always been able to overcome them. Putting several of these early memories together can strengthen this self-image and greatly boost self-esteem.
Hi Stavya! The study that you discuss in your blog shows that there is still so much that we do not know about the giant mush in our skull. Even the facts that we think we know already can change at any given moment as researchers discover new findings. The process of how we store and forget memories is such a complicated process, and the fact that it can vary from person to person makes it even more harder to pinpoint exactly how our brains work. I like how you add your own input and discussion rather than just explaining the contents of the study. It is fascinating to know that the “ability to recall memories at any given time” is random and a skill that one can develop throughout life. Trying to recall earlier memories from our childhood can be difficult at times, but it is interesting to know that recalling can strengthen one’s self-image and self-esteem.
ReplyDeleteHi Stavya! I love the topic you choice and your commitment to scientific and informative blogs. Supportive parenting is extremely significant in order to raise well developed children in my perspective as the influence we have as kids affects us more than we may realize.
ReplyDeleteIt is truly bizarre to comprehend the complexity of the human mind. Like you mentioned I have had a few instances in which I could recall things at certain moments but forget them during another time. This really leads me to question the functions of memory.
I appreciate the input from the article as it provides a sense of credibility within your blog.
I like your analogy of depicting our early memories as a black box as it is connective and relatable for the readers. I also like the philosophical connection about overcoming challenges in the end. Thank you for this intriguing blog!