Memory

Memory is the process of encoding, storing, and retrieving information when it is needed. This topic will explore the structure and function of memory in cognitive systems and relate it to the other themes of the course.

Primary Readings for Short-Term Memory

Everyone should read these and be prepared to discuss:

• Miller, G. A. (1956). The magical number seven, plus or minus two: Some limits on our capacity for processing information. Psychological review, 63(2), 81.
• Baddeley, A. (2003). Working memory: looking back and looking forward. Nature reviews neuroscience, 4(10), 829-839.

Primary Readings for Long-Term Memory

Everyone should read these and be prepared to discuss:

• Collins, A. M., & Quillian, M. R. (1969). Retrieval time from semantic memory. Journal of verbal learning and verbal behavior, 8(2), 240-247.
• Collins, A. M., & Loftus, E. F. (1975). A spreading-activation theory of semantic processing. Psychological review, 82(6), 407.

Questions under discussion

• What are the differences between short term and long term memory. How are they thought to be interrelated?
• How does memory relate to the concepts & categories topics? How does it relate to how we represent, perceive, and learn particular types of knowledge, e.g., space, number, causality?