Human Memory

Human Memory is the scientific study of the processes by which we encode, store, and retrieve information. Students in this course will be introduced to the major phenomena, methods, concepts, principles, and theories that make up the field of Human Memory. This course includes topics such as models/theories of memory, neurophysiology of memory, short-term memory, encoding, working memory, episodic and semantic memory, retrieval, procedural memory, incidental and motivated forgetting, autobiographical memory, prospective memory, development and aging memory, memory deficits, eyewitness testimony, and ways to improve your memory.

PSYC 1101 or PSYC 1101H with a grade of C or higher 

1.  Explain the major theoretical perspectives related to human memory

2.  Compare and contrast the different types of memory (e.g., sensory memory, short-term memory, working memory, episodic memory, semantic memory)

3.  Discuss how memories might be encoded, stored, and retrieved in the brain

4.  Describe key methods used to study human memory

5.  Evaluate findings from empirical studies in the field of human memory

6.  Describe relevant applications of human memory research (e.g., eyewitness testimony, treatments for memory disorders, the impact of technology on memory, ways to improve your memory)

1. Baddeley, A., Eysench, M., & Anderson, M. (2020). Memory, 3rd edition. Routledge Publishing. ISBN: 978-1138326071 

2. Dittrich, L. (2017). Patient H.M.: A Story of Memory, Madness, and Family Secrets. ISBN: 978-0812982527 

Activities (10% of overall grade)

Throughout the semester, we will complete in-class and at-home activities and assignments designed to improve understanding and application of concepts. You will get credit for completing these activities. In-class activities cannot be made up; therefore, your consistent attendance is important. At-home activities will be turned in on D2L unless told otherwise.

Guided Reading Journal (10% of overall grade)

On D2L you will find a set of Guided Reading Journal questions for the Patient H.M. book required for this class. Each set of questions will be due by a specific date. You should complete the questions for the assigned portion prior to the due date and turn them in on D2L. It is recommended that these questions be completed while reading these sections as a way to guide your reading. We will discuss these topics during class, and it will help you during class if you have notes or a highlighted copy of the text with you. There may be multiple ways to answer some of these questions. They will be graded based on effort, professionalism, and accuracy. A copy (physical or electronic) of your responses should be brought with you to class to aid in discussion and activities. You cannot work on these journals with your peers; they must be completed on your own. The audio versions of these texts may make completing the readings and these journals easier.

Exams (40% of overall grade)

There will be four exams covering content from class and the textbook. These exams will be a combination of multiple choice and fill-in-the-blank. Exams will be proctored using Respondus LockDown Browser on D2L + a webcam. Click here to download the latest version of LockDown Browser. To begin the quiz, go to Quizzes on D2L. Click on the quiz; then click Launch LockDown Browser. The startup sequence will take a couple minutes. You will need to do a webcam check, read some instructions, take a photo of yourself, take a photo of your UNG student ID, complete an environment check, complete a facial detection check, and then take the quiz. The purpose of this startup sequence is explained in the following instructions: “During this quiz, you shouldn't access other resources (a phone, tablet, notes, books, etc.) or communicate with other people. Please stay in your seat and focus on the computer screen until the quiz is complete. If an interruption occurs, briefly explain what happened by speaking directly to your webcam. And, finally, remember that you cannot exit the quiz until all questions are completed and submitted it for grading.” Even though this exam is proctored, you are allowed to use a single 3” x 5” note card with notes per exam. No other resources are allowed during the exam. If you use a note card, you must turn in that note card in the following class. Failure to turn in the note card used during the exam will result in a zero on the exam. (If you do not use a note card, you do not have to turn one in.) You must make your own note card; copying a peer’s note card is not allowed. Exams cannot be made up without documentation from the Dean of Students. Make up exams may be different than in-class exams to ensure equity and prevent cheating.

H.M. Brain Project (25% of overall grade)

Over the course of the semester, you will complete a project seeking to deepen your understanding of memory systems, research in memory, and the history of memory exploration. This project consists of individual and group components and is broken down into five parts. See D2L for full project instructions.

Final Exam (15% of overall grade)

A cumulative final exam will take place in person consisting of essay questions. You will be provided with seven essay questions to choose from, and you must choose five. If you answer more than five, I will grade the first five you complete, not the “best” five. It will be completed during the scheduled final exam period. The exam will cover content from the entire semester. See study guide on D2L. If you miss a regular exam, the final exam will replace that exam. The final exam cannot be made up without documentation from the Dean of Students.

> 90.0% = A

80.0 - 89.9% = B

70.0 - 79.9% = C

60.0 - 69.9% = D

< 60.0 = F

MODULE 1: WHAT IS MEMORY?

Week 1: Syllabus & Chapter 1

Week 2: Chapter 17 // GRJ 1 due

Week 3: Chapter 2 // GRJ 2A due

Week 4: GRJ 2B due // Exam 1

MODULE 2: SHORT & LONG-TERM MEMORY

Week 5: Chapter 3 // Project Part 1 due

Week 6: Chapter 4 // GRJ 3 due

Week 7: Chapter 6

Week 8: Chapter 7 // Exam 2

MODULE 3: EVERYDAY MEMORY & ERRORS

Week 9: Chapters 9 // Project Part 2 due

Week 10: Chapter 10 / GRJ 4 due

Week 11: Chapter 11 // Project Part 3 due

Week 12: Chapter 12 // Exam 3

MODULE 4: MEMORY DEVELOPMENT & DECLINE

Week 13: Chapter 14 // GRJ 5A due

Week 14: Chapter 15 // GRJ 5B due // Project Part 4 due

Week 15: Chapter 16 // Exam 4

FINALS

Final exam // Project Part 5 due

Assignments due during finals week must be completed by Wednesday at 11:59 pm. No exceptions or extensions.