In the 1960s, researchers began to understand memory as operating under two systems: a short-term one handling information for mere seconds, and a long- term one for managing information indefinitely. Short-term memory, they found, wasn't simply a 'filing cabinet,' but appeared to work on cognitive tasks.
Memory captivates many, especially when it fails, as seen in cases of amnesia. Yet, those studying memory often lose this intrigue due to the necessity of conducting meticulously designed experiments, which can appear dull despite their scientific significance. Thankfully, our understanding of memory has advanced, allowing us to connect laboratory findings to real-world applications. This book provides a comprehensive and engaging overview of memory, tailored for students, authored by leading researchers in the field. It begins with a concise introduction to the scientific study of memory, followed by an exploration of various memory systems and their functions. Key topics include short-term and working memory, learning processes, the organization of knowledge, retrieval mechanisms, and intentional as well as motivated forgetting. The latter sections delve into practical applications of memory research, covering autobiographical memory, amnesia, and memory across the lifespan, including childhood and aging. Additionally, it addresses eyewitness testimony and prospective memory, culminating in a vital chapter on memory enhancement techniques. Each chapter is penned by one of the three authors, leveraging their unique expertise and styles, enriching the reading experience and sharing their passion for the complexities of human memory.
The first edition of Working Memory was published in 1986 and was both widely cited and highly influential. The follow-up to this classic book has two aims - to discuss the developments that have occurred within the multicomponent model, since the publication of Working Memory, and secondly, to place the concept of multicomponent working memory in a broader context. The updating section of the book comprises two chapters each on the phonological loop, the visuo-spatial sketchpad, the central executive and the episodic buffer, with further chapters on the relevance to working memory of studies of the recency effect, of work based on individual differences, and of neuroimaging research.The broader implications of the concept of working memory are discussed in chapters on social psychology, anxiety, depression, consciousness and on the control of action. The final "life, the universe and everything" chapter discusses the relevance of a concept of working memory to the classic problems of consciousness and free will.This new volume from one of the world leaders in memory research will doubtless emulate the success of its predecessor, and be a major publication within the psychological literature.