mälupöördeid

Mälupöördeid, often translated as memory turns or memory pivots, refers to a concept in cognitive psychology and memory research that describes a shift or reorientation in how an individual accesses, processes, or retrieves information from their memory. It's not a single, universally defined phenomenon, but rather encompasses various instances where the standard or expected pattern of memory retrieval is altered.

These shifts can occur for several reasons. One aspect relates to the reconstructive nature of memory. When recalling an event, individuals don't retrieve a perfect recording but rather reconstruct it based on existing schemas, prior knowledge, and even subsequent information. A mälupöördeid might happen when this reconstruction process is significantly influenced by new input or a different perspective, leading to a revised or altered memory of the original event.

Another context for mälupöördeid is the strategic switching between different memory systems or types of memory. For instance, transitioning from recalling a semantic fact (general knowledge) to retrieving an episodic memory (a specific personal experience) could be considered a form of mälupöördeid. Similarly, shifting from effortful, controlled retrieval to more automatic, implicit recall can also represent such a change.

The term can also be applied to situations where a person's understanding or interpretation of past information changes drastically due to new learning or experiences, effectively re-framing their existing memories. This can lead to a re-evaluation of past events or a re-categorization of stored information, representing a profound mälupöördeid in their cognitive landscape. The study of mälupöördeid contributes to understanding the dynamic and malleable nature of human memory.