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Processes of Human Memory

Module description

The ability to remember information is fundamental to successful functioning in our everyday environment. This module will consider a variety of different approaches including the study of patients with different forms of amnesia, brain imaging techniques (with a particular emphasis on fMRI) and behavioural methods to try to understand how human memory works. Throughout the module we will explore the idea that memory can be broken down into various different sub-types relying on different parts of the brain. We will also discuss current understanding of memory and critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of recent work. The module combines lectures by the module convener with student presentations and discussions on critical issues.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The aim of this module is to provide you with a strong background on key aspects of human long-term memory. Whilst a particular aim is for you to obtain a thorough understanding of current knowledge, particular emphasis will be placed on topics that are currently under heated debate and where you will be asked to critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different positions. You will be expected to develop your presentation skills during the course and to interact with the module convener and other students whilst discussing key issues.

Through attending the weekly seminars and completing the assessments, you will further develop the following academic and professional skills that will be transferable to future employment:

• problem solving (linking theory to practice, developing your own ideas with confidence, being able to respond to novel and unfamiliar problems)
• managing structure (identifying key demands of the task, setting clearly defined goals, responding flexibly to changing priorities)
• time management (managing time effectively individually and within a group)
• collaboration (respecting the views and values of others, taking initiative and leading others, supporting others in their work, maintaining group cohesiveness and purpose), and
• audience awareness (presenting ideas effectively in multiple formats, persuading others of the importance and relevance of your views, responding positively and effectively to questions).

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Illustrate comprehensively some of the most topical issues in memory research
• 2. Identify the brain regions which support these different types of memory and of the processes that are assumed to underlie each memory system
• 3. Evaluate the principles behind the various theoretical positions and explain the strengths and limitations of the various methods (e.g. neuropsychological, neuroimaging) that have been used to provide insight into these issues

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. Acquire detailed, systematic and comprehensive knowledge within the discipline, with in-depth specialisation at the forefront of the discipline in certain areas, and demonstrate advanced critical understanding of this knowledge and of the limits and provisional nature of this knowledge
• 5. Review and critically evaluate published work at an advanced level and identify the strengths and weaknesses of this work, and at an advanced level structure this literature to present logical, coherent and sustained arguments to support conclusions at an advanced level
• 6. Address systematically complex problems at an advanced level which may be framed within unpredictable contexts, think critically, creatively and independently, and fully appreciate the complexities of the issues

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 7. Interact effectively and supportively within a learning group
• 8. Select and manage information and to undertake study tasks competently with minimum guidance
• 9. Take responsibility for your own work and criticise it
• 10. Engage effectively in debate in a professional manner and produce detailed and coherent written work; identify complex problems and apply appropriate knowledge and methods for their solution with confidence and flexibility

Syllabus plan

Example topics to be covered include:

• Introduction to the multiple systems of human memory
• Anterograde amnesia and the retention of novel information
• Accelerated long-term forgetting of recently acquired information
• Processes of recognition memory 1: an experimental psychology perspective
• Processes of recognition memory 2: a neuropsychological/neuroscience perspective
• Implicit/ non-declarative memory
• Processes of categorisation
• Autobiographical memory
• The medial temporal lobe and autobiographical memory.
• Semantic memory

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Two assessments are required for this module. Where you have been referred/deferred in the examination you will have the opportunity to take a second examination in the August/September re-assessment period. Where you have been referred/deferred in the essay you will be required to resubmit the essay. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%; deferred marks are not capped.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

There is no core text book for this course. Instead, we will focus on recent journal articles that are most relevant to the debates. A list of recommended readings for each topic will be circulated at the beginning of the course.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE page: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=2002

Key words search

Psychology, human memory, neuropsychology, fMRI, neuroscience, semantic memory, episodic memory, implicit memory, anterograde amnesia, retrograde amnesia