AbstractsPsychology

Changes in memory and the nature of the mnemonic trace are a source of never-ending interest, as well as of physiological importance, to the investigator. To date, no satisfactory solution has been provided as to exactly what occurs within the trace itself when increasing errors of memory are manifested with the passage of time. Traditionally there have been two opposing theories - one, supported by G. E. Müller, which maintains that forgetting consists principally of an increasing indefiniteness of the trace, and the other, originated by Wulf, who concluded, from studies pursued under Koffka’s direction, that the trace tends, not towards vagueness, but towards “better figures”. That is, in certain instances, such as in the perception of an irregular figure, the unstable organization of forces within the trace itself will tend towards equilibrium overriding the influence of external events upon it. (Wulf himself distinguished three sources of error, “normalizing”, “emphasizing” and “autonomous changes”, but Koffka later reduced these to two, namely “external influence” and “spontaneous change”). Not only this, the tendency towards stability which is manifested in increased symmetry, tendency to close a gap, sharpening, etc., will be progressive in time. [...]