Hermann Ebbinghaus's study of memory is considered historically important because
A) it demonstrated the existence of unconscious and repressed memories.
B) it first highlighted the existence of false memories.
C) it provided an acceptable experimental approach to a "higher" mental function.
D) it confirmed ancient ideas about memories as stored in separate "compartments."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ebbinghaus's study of memory is significant because it utilized scientific methods to study a mental process that was previously considered too subjective to investigate experimentally. His pioneering approach laid the foundation for future research on memory and higher cognitive functions.

Answer: D 
 Ebbinghaus's research did not confirm the ancient notion of memories being stored in separate compartments. Instead, he proposed that forgetting occurs due to the decay of memory traces over time, a theory that challenged traditional views of memory. His work also laid the foundation for the study of forgetting curves and memory consolidation.

Answer: A and B 
 Ebbinghaus's research did not directly demonstrate the existence of repressed or false memories; these concepts emerged later in the field of psychology. However, his work did shed light on the limits of memory and the phenomenon of forgetting. Ebbinghaus's studies demonstrate that memories can be distorted or forgotten over time, which may contribute to the development of false memories or the suppression of certain memories.

Hermann Ebbinghaus's Study of Memory Is Considered Historically Important Because