Encoding and retrieval processes in human memory

提出的研究计划包括一系列的研究，以阐明人类记忆的编码和检索过程。实验主要集中在两个方面；一是认知层面的基本编码和检索机制的研究，二是这些机制和过程的成人相关变化的研究。此外，我将继续与同事合作进行神经影像学研究，以明确注意、记忆和学习的神经相关性。四个主要的理论要点指导了本方案。首先，比起将记忆划分为独立的系统，我假设了从抽象（“语义”）到高度具体（“情景”）表征的特异性程度；我打算在这一点上收集更多的证据。其次，我将探讨老年人在特定信息（如姓名、情节细节）方面有特殊困难的可能性。第三，我将开展研究，探索“巩固”的概念。第四，我将评估“工作记忆”更准确地描述为一组与一个人的一组专业知识图式相关的领域特定过程的观点。相关的实验工作将操纵编码和检索条件；一些研究将通过分散注意力模拟衰老。关于工作记忆的实验将考察打桥牌的专家。最后，我还将与罗特曼研究所的研究人员合作，他们使用神经成像方法来探索记忆编码和检索的机制。

The proposed research program consists of a series of studies to elucidate the processes of encoding and retrieval in human memory. The experiments are in two main areas; first, studies of basic encoding and retrieval mechanisms at the cognitive level, and second, studies of adult age-related changes in these mechanisms and processes. Additionally, I will continue to collaborate with colleagues conducting neuroimaging studies to specify the neural correlates of attention, memory and learning. Four main theoretical points guide the present program. First, rather than think of memory as divided into separate systems, I postulate degrees of specificity running from abstract ("semantic") to highly specific ("episodic") representations; I plan to gather more evidence on this point. Second, I will explore the possibility that older adults have particular difficulty with specific information (e.g., names, episodic detail). Third, I will run studies to explore the notion of 'consolidation.' Fourth, I will evaluate the idea that 'working memory' is more accurately described as a set of domain-specific processes related to a person's set of expert knowledge schemas. The associated experimental work will manipulate conditions at encoding and retrieval; some studies will mimic aging by using divided attention. The experiments on working memory will examine bridge-playing experts. Finally, I will also collaborate with researchers at the Rotman Institute who use neuroimaging methods to explore mechanisms of memory encoding and retrieval.