Collective Memory: A New Area of Cognitive Study

Friday, April 29, 2016
Registration: 4:15 - 4:45 p.m.
Program: 4:45 - 6:15 p.m.

Weyerhaeuser Administrative Building
Macalester College
62 Macalester Street
Saint Paul, MN  55105

About the Program

Collective memory refers to how members of a group remember their past. The group may be a nation, a state, a city, a family or any other social grouping with which people identify. The first part of the talk provides clarification on the concept of collective memory and distinguishes it from related terms. The study of collective memory is relatively new in empirical psychology, although it has a long tradition in the humanities and in other social sciences.

The remainder of the talk will be devoted to three empirical studies with various collaborators that explore disparate issues. A first study will be on memory of American students and adults on remembering the presidents of the U.S. A second study asks how people from 30 nations view the role of their own country in shaping world history. A third study will report partial results of a large study in which citizens of 11 countries provide collective memories of events of World War II and estimate the responsibility of people from their country in the victory (for 8 allied countries) or the defeat (for 3 Axis powers).

Collective memory represents an important concept that has not been much considered by psychologists, but is critical in understanding current problems. Many current controversies and wars have their roots deep in the past, and understanding how people remember that past is critical to developing possible solutions to national and international problems. 

This session qualifies for 1.5 continuing education credits. You must attend the full 1.5-hour program to get continuing education credit for the event.

Participants will be able to:

1. Explain how collective memory is related to narcissistic views about one's own group.
2. Describe how collective memory has applications for current controversies and problems.

The Minnesota Psychological Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.  The Minnesota Psychological Association maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

About the Presenter:

Henry L. Roediger, III, Ph.D., is the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor at Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Roediger attended Yale University and received his Ph.D. in 1973. He became an assistant professor at Purdue University in 1973. In 1988 he was appointed Lynette S. Autrey Professor of Psychology at Rice University. In 1996 he left for Washington University in St. Louis, where he became Chair of the Department of Psychology until stepping down in 2004. That same year he was appointed Dean of Academic Planning in Arts and Sciences, a position he held to 2010.  Dr. Roediger’s research has been supported by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the Organization for Research and Development, the National Institute of Aging, the National Science Foundation, the Institute of Education Sciences, and the James S. McDonnell Foundation.

To Register:

Register Online

Download a Registration Form

Refund/Cancellation Policy: A 100% refund will be made if the event is cancelled. Refunds, less a $5 handling free, will be given if a written cancellation is received at least two working days before the scheduled program begins. Transfer of fee to another program is granted if written cancellation notice is received at least one day before the program. No refund or transfer is given the day of the program.