Odor memory: taking stock

Abstract

This review discusses the state of knowledge in odor memory within the framework of mainstream memory research. Experimental findings are structured around prevailing theoretical distinctions in the study of memory proper, including semantic-episodic memory and implicit-explicit memory. Unaided odor-identification performance is found to be approximately 40%-50% of the total stimulus set presented to Ss, although performance approaches the limit of memorial discrimination if Ss are given label training with feedback. Odor identification is conceptualized as a task with 3 major components and where performance falls on a continuum ranging from nonverbal feelings of familiarity to specific object names. Odor recognition is shown to be relatively stable over long retention intervals, and more than 1 explanation can account for this effect. It is also suggested that name recognition may contribute to the results obtained in odor-recognition experiments. Several possible avenues for future research on both explicit and implicit memory for odors are mentioned. It is concluded that although much is known already about memory for odors, many questions still remain unanswered or unasked.