Other than that which is genetically coded, everything we know is derived from and reflects memory for our past experiences. Memory is intimately involved in most, if not all, domains of human cognition, from the ability to temporarily remember a phone number or where you placed your keys to the acquisition of language and the ability to reason.
This course surveys the literature on human memory and learning, including consideration of the cognitive and neural organization of memory, the basis of remembering and forgetting, and the nature of false memories. Cognitive theory and behavioral evidence will be integrated with data from neuropsychology and functional brain imaging.
Prerequisite: 9.00 or 9.01
The course grade will be based on:
Two Midterm Exams (25% each)
Cumulative Final Exam (35%)
Written Assignment (15%)
Students will be required to turn in one written assignment of 3-4 double-spaced pages that synopsizes and critiques an empirical article on some aspect of human memory. The selected article must be chosen from a set of papers suggested by the instructor (see the readings section for a list of articles from which to choose, as well as further guidelines and requirements).
Attending lectures will be particularly important, because much of the critical material will be presented only in lectures.
Text
Baddeley, A. D. Human Memory: Theory and Practice (Revised edition). Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1998.