Nobuo Ohta

The main purpose of this paper is to predict future trends in memory research, based on an analysis of present research activities. In the first section of the paper, the history of memory research since Ebbinghaus, H. (1885) is briefly described noting a number of epoch-making studies over the last 100 years. In the second section, the current state of memory research is discussed in terms of historical trends. In particular, three characteristics of current memory research are highlighted: (1) the shifts from 'behavioral' to 'cognitive' and from 'quantitative' to 'qualitative' based research approaches; (2) the move from laboratory research to everyday memory research, addressing societal problems; and (3) the diversity in research methodology, reflecting more interdisciplinary collaboration. Finally, three trends for future research are proposed: (a) principle-seeking research, which can also make indirect social contributions; (b) problem-solving research related to our everyday lives and society; and (c) special period-relevant research, such as computer support of human memory. In conclusion, it is important that memory research contributes to human well-being.

We review recent progress of human memory research by focusing on the following five topics : working memory, implicit memory, prospective memory, memory distortion, and autobiographical memory. Research on working memory has begun to specify the central executive component that remains as yet poorly understood. Implicit memory research has attempted to delineate the nature of conscious, as distinguished from unconscious, memory processes, thereby identifying three salient features : intentional remembering, output monitoring, and subjective awareness. These features are further elaborated by ecologically oriented approaches. Prospective memory has been found to differ from retrospective memory in reliance on self-initiated retrieval, which is reflective of the executive function. Monitoring retrieval processes is considered to be another reflection of the executive function, and its failures lead to memory distortion and creation of false memories. Remembering autobiographical knowledge appears to depend on the current configuration of self. We suggest that exploring the executive function and its relation to memory processes constitutes an important issue for future memory research.

We review recent progress of human memory research by focusing on the following five topics : working memory, implicit memory, prospective memory, memory distortion, and autobiographical memory. Research on working memory has begun to specify the central executive component that remains as yet poorly understood. Implicit memory research has attempted to delineate the nature of conscious, as distinguished from unconscious, memory processes, thereby identifying three salient features : intentional remembering, output monitoring, and subjective awareness. These features are further elaborated by ecologically oriented approaches. Prospective memory has been found to differ from retrospective memory in reliance on self-initiated retrieval, which is reflective of the executive function. Monitoring retrieval processes is considered to be another reflection of the executive function, and its failures lead to memory distortion and creation of false memories. Remembering autobiographical knowledge appears to depend on the current configuration of self. We suggest that exploring the executive function and its relation to memory processes constitutes an important issue for future memory research.