ABSTRACT
Traditional memory research vs. everyday memory research What are the main differences between the traditional approach to memory research and the one based on everyday memory phenomena? Koriat and Goldsmith (1996) argued that traditional memory research is based on the storehouse metaphor. According to this metaphor, items of information are stored in memory and what is of interest is the number of items accessible at retrieval. In contrast, the correspondence metaphor is more applicable to everyday memory research. According to this metaphor, what is important is the correspondence or goodness of fi t between an individual’s report and the actual event. Consider eyewitness testimony about a crime. According to the storehouse metaphor, what matters is simply how many items of information can be recalled. In contrast, what matters on the correspondence metaphor is whether the crucial items of information (e.g., facial characteristics of the criminal) are remembered. Thus, the content of what is remembered is more important within the correspondence metaphor.
