minnesspecifika

Minnesspecifika refers to memories that are specific in content, typically correspond to a single, distinct event with a definite time and place, rather than general knowledge or repetitive experiences. In cognitive psychology and neuroscience, the term is used to distinguish episodic, autobiographical recall from semantic memory and more generalized recollections.

In Swedish-language research, minnesspecifika is often discussed in the context of autobiographical memory and the ability to retrieve detailed personal events. The concept is closely related to the broader distinction between episodic memory (personal events) and semantic memory (facts and general knowledge). Researchers study how individuals vary in their ability to recall specific episodes and how this ability can be influenced by context, mood, and cognitive aging.

Measurement of memory specificity commonly employs the Autobiographical Memory Test (AMT) or related tasks. In these assessments, participants are given cue words and asked to retrieve memories associated with the cue. Responses are scored for specificity, with memories judged as specific if they describe a single event that lasted a short period, and non-specific if they are repeated, generalized, or serve as semantic summaries.

The concept has notable clinical relevance. Lower memory specificity has been linked to mood disorders such as depression and to other conditions affecting autobiographical recall, including trauma and aging. Interventions in cognitive therapy sometimes aim to enhance memory specificity by encouraging detailed recollection of specific past events to support mood and problem-solving.

Related terms include episodic memory, autobiographical memory, and overgeneral memory.