Encoding and retrieval processes in human memory

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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.