"What do you remember about Chernobyl?" A new test of memory for media-mediated events

Neurol Sci. 2004 Oct;25(4):205-15. doi: 10.1007/s10072-004-0323-3.

Abstract

We devised a new test for assessing remote memory for media-mediated events, i.e. events that are reported by and known through the media. The test consists of a verbal questionnaire covering famous events that occurred over a long period of time, from 1976 to 2000, specifically designed for use with the Italian population. A free recall procedure was adopted which makes use of progressive cues. The test can be easily updated for inclusion of future events. Normative and test-retest reliability data are presented. The test provides a new tool for assessing media-mediated memory whenever an extensive assessment of retrograde memory performance is required, both in normal people and in brain-damaged patients.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Amnesia, Retrograde / diagnosis
  • Amnesia, Retrograde / psychology
  • Anniversaries and Special Events
  • Brain Injuries / diagnosis
  • Brain Injuries / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Male
  • Mass Media
  • Memory / physiology*
  • Memory Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Memory Disorders / psychology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests / standards*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Reproducibility of Results