Definition
The distinction between accuracy and reliability of memory is important for studies of pain memory. Reliability is determined by the correlation between the report of pain at the time of its occurrence, e.g. a score on a rating scale, and the estimate of that score at a later time (the remembered pain). In studies with a group of people, the correlation preserves the relative order of the magnitude of pain and its recall. Accuracy refers to the extent of agreement between records of the original event and the corresponding memory. Under certain conditions, it is possible to assess accuracy for an individual; which is not possible for reliability. Also, according to this distinction, memories may be reliable but not accurate.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2007 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
About this entry
Cite this entry
(2007). Accuracy and Reliability of Memory. In: Schmidt, R., Willis, W. (eds) Encyclopedia of Pain. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-29805-2_27
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-29805-2_27
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-540-43957-8
Online ISBN: 978-3-540-29805-2
eBook Packages: MedicineReference Module Medicine