Séminaire Krystian BARZYJOWSKI

Autobiographical memory research has traditionally focused on the content of retrieved memories, often neglecting the underlying processes and phenomenology that bring these memories to mind. This talk addresses this gap by examining the mechanisms governing autobiographical memory retrieval. Drawing on research related to retrieval intentionality, attentional dynamics, and memory awareness, I will introduce the threshold account, which posits that memories must surpass a certain activation threshold to enter conscious awareness. I will further discuss distinct memory instances—including involuntary and voluntary memories, as well as direct and generative retrieval—that collectively shape the complex landscape of memory processes. Adopting a dimensional approach, I will highlight how this framework enhances our understanding of phenomena such as déjà vu and the mechanisms involved in recovered memories. By synthesizing findings from diverse research domains, this talk offers a refined perspective on the processes underpinning memory retrieval and outlines promising directions for future inquiry into this intricate phenomenon.