Memory research is broadening to how memory shapes future thinking, problem solving, decision making and creativity, and the trend is likely to continue

In my own lab and in the field more generally, I think that we are seeing a focus on memory not just as a means of retrieving past experiences and stored knowledge, but also an increasing interest in how various forms of memory impact a range of cognitive and affective functions, including future thinking, scene construction, problem solving, decision making, emotion regulation, and creativity. I think that this broadens considerably the domain of memory research, and is a trend that I expect to continue in the future.