9.74 Foundations of Human Memory and Learning

As taught in: Spring 2002

Level:

Undergraduate

Instructors:

Prof. Anthony Wagner

Image of brain when remembering past experiences.
Past experience tunes the brain such that computational demands are reduced during the processing of previously encountered (blue line) stimuli, compared to novel (red line) stimuli. (Courtesy of Prof. Anthony Wagner.)

Course Highlights

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.

Course Description

Surveys literature on human memory and learning. Focuses on the organization of memory at cognitive and neural levels, the basis of remembering and forgetting, and false memories. Cognitive theory and behavioral evidence are integrated with data from neuro-psychology and neuroimaging.


*Some translations represent previous versions of courses.

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