Phineas Gage

(1823–1860) an individual, often featured in introductory psychology textbooks, who was made famous when an explosion caused a metal rod to pass through and damage anterior parts of the frontal lobes of his brain. He exhibited no apparent cognitive deficits but later showed changes in behavior and personality. Sources differ about the extent and chronicity of these changes: Some report that the changes were severe and permanent, whereas others indicate that Gage recovered from his injury or at least adapted well to its effects.

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Psychology term of the day

December 18th 2024

observer memory

an autobiographical memory that one remembers from the perspective of an outside observer. When retrieving an observer memory, the person sees himself or herself as an actor in the event. Also called third-person perspective memory. Compare field memory.