Felicitations,

Rather than a discussion this week, this will be a reflection. That simply means it’s private and only I will see it. Given the nature of the topic I thought people might be more comfortable that way.

So, what’s your fondest memory? Describe it in as much detail as you wish. Then analyze it in terms of novelty, emotional aspects of the experience and other factors mentioned in the readings that often contribute to strong episodic memories.

And do other people remember the same event? Are their memories the same as your memories of the event? Often what might have been a major event for you might not have been for someone else. For example, your first trip to Disneyland, but your older brother’s fourth trip. He may not remember nearly as many details and even confuse events from his previous trips with the one you remember.

Students generally have fun with this assignment. Once you get going on it you find yourself remembering a lot of details.