title: The end point effect in autobiographical memory: more than a calendar is needed.
abstract: The end point effect, an increased frequency of memories from the start and end of a period, may be due to internalised calendar representations or narrative structures. Differential predictions derived from these theories were tested in 3 studies. In Study 1, 104 students recalled 5 memories from a relationship. In Study 2, 106 students recalled 5 memories from their first term and in Study 3, 89 students recalled 3 positive and 3 negative memories from their first term. In all three studies memories were rated on phenomenology, encoding variables and rehearsal. All three studies replicated the endpoint effect, with Study 3 showing a stronger effect for positive memories. The studies showed higher rating for end point memories on phenomenology (Study 1), encoding variables (Studies 1 and 2) and rehearsal (Study 1). Generally, the results support the narrative theory and this is discussed in relation to broader theories of autobiographical memory.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Universit of Aarhus, Denmark. dorthet@psy.au.dk
authors.forename: Dorthe Kirkegaard
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Thomsen
authors.forename: Dorthe
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Berntsen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001245:Association Learning / Q000502:physiology; D004644:Emotions / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D033262:Narration; D011581:Psychological Tests; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013998:Time Perception / Q000502:physiology*