Final answer:
The process of making inferences about memory origins is called 'source monitoring,' a part of source memory. It helps to distinguish where a memory came from, which can lead to errors or misattributions. Declarative memory, encompassing both semantic and episodic memory, is key to understanding how we store and recall information.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of making inferences about the origins of memories is known as source monitoring. This cognitive process involves attempting to identify the origins of a memory by distinguishing between different potential sources. For instance, was a memory experienced firsthand, overheard in conversation, or perhaps seen in a movie? Difficulties in source monitoring can lead to misattribution, which is a type of memory error where the source of a memory is incorrectly remembered or assigned.
When discussing declarative memory, which includes both semantic memory and episodic memory, it's important to differentiate between them. Episodic memory is autobiographical and pertains to our personal experiences, such as recalling your last birthday party. Semantic memory refers to our store of factual knowledge, such as understanding the meaning of words or knowing historical facts.
Memory construction and reconstruction play a significant role in how we encode new memories and how we retrieve existing ones. Construction refers to the formulation of new memories, while reconstruction is the process of bringing up old memories. During reconstruction, our memories may be altered or distorted, merging new information with the old, which can sometimes lead to inaccuracies. This highlights the dynamic and somewhat flexible nature of our memory system.