Philosopher Dr. James Park argues that personal identity persists not through physical or mental continuity but through narrative—the stories we tell about ourselves.
Which psychological finding would best support Park's narrative identity theory?
People tell stories
Identity is important
Amnesia patients who lose all autobiographical memories but construct new life narratives report feeling continuous identity, while patients with intact memories but narrative disruption (certain psychiatric conditions) report feeling like different people
Memories can be false
Correct Answer: C
Choice C is the best answer. Memory loss + narrative = continuity vs memory intact + no narrative = discontinuity proves narrative primacy.
💡 Strategy: Competing theory claims need cases where factors dissociate (one present, other absent).