Clinton Merck

Biography

I am a cognitive psychologist interested in memory. My research centers on observations of memory in real-world contexts. Much of this work centers on the memories that groups form for public events and the role these memories play in collective identities. I examine collective memories: widely shared memories for an event itself, and flashbulb memories: memories for the circumstances in which one learned of a public event.

In other work, I employ memory journaling methods to study autobiographical memory and individual identity. Whenever possible, I apply this research to address pressing social issues.

I teach Introduction to Psychological Science, Memory, and a seminar on Collective Memory.