Self-Derivation Through Memory Integration: A Mechanism for Building Semantic Memory

Abstract

A rich storehouse of semantic or world knowledge is a critical developmental and educational achievement. This article summarizes a research program that elucidates a productive or self-generative means of building this knowledge base, namely, self-derivation of knowledge through the integration of separate yet related episodes of new learning. The article highlights features of the research that lend authenticity to the findings, including focus on an important topic, samples that represent relevant target populations, stimuli that reflect the richness of the phenomenon, and descriptions and explanations of individual variability. The authenticity of the research stands to increase its impact and facilitates application of the results beyond the laboratory.