Science of Memory: Concepts

Scientists currently study memory from many different perspectives: neurobiological, ethological, animal conditioning, cognitive, behavioral neuroscience, social, and cultural. The aim of this book is to help initiate a new science of memory by bringing these perspectives together to create a unified understanding of the topic. The book began with a conference where leading practitioners from all these major approaches met to analyze and discuss 16 concepts that are crucial to our understanding of memory. Each of these 16 concepts is addressed in a section of the book, and in the 66 succinct chapters that fill these sections, a leading researcher addresses the section's concept by clearly stating his or her position on it, elucidating how it is used, and discussing how it should be used in future research. For some concepts, there is general agreement among practitioners from different fields and levels of analysis, but for others there is general disagreement and much controversy. A final chapter in each section, also written by a leading researcher, integrates the various viewpoints offered on the section's concept, then draws conclusions about the concept. This groundbreaking volume will be an indispensable reference for all the students and researchers who will build upon the foundation it provides for the new science of memory.

About the Author :
Henry L. Roediger III is the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor at Washington University in St. Louis. Yadin Dudai is the Sela Professor of Neurobiology at the Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel. Susan M. Fitzpatrick is Vice President of the James S. McDonnell Foundation.

Review :
"Science of Memory: Concepts will easily move the field toward truly multidisciplinary approaches that are indeed the engines of science. To the scientist of memory who might sometimes feel trapped by his or her own research tradition, this text holds the key to understanding what the entire field knows about these concepts at many levels of analysis. Anyone claiming to study memory must read this book as it will prove absolutely integral in equipping our students with the knowledge that is needed to be a successful in the multidisciplinary study of memory; it has the truly exciting emergent property of instilling in the reader that the science of memory has many exciting, uncharted caverns that need further exploration. This is destined to be a must-read blockbuster for both the new and the old who are dedicated to understanding memory." --Richard L. Marsh, Professor of Psychology, University of Georgia "It is high time that a compendium of the big-picture issues associated with interdisciplinary research in the behavioral and cognitive neurosciences be assembled. In providing analyses that go beyond the methodological confines of their own specific research programs, many of the authors are refreshingly candid in articulating the rather extensive gaps in knowledge that remain in their own areas after decades of research. This volume represents an important reference that should be required reading for seasoned investigators as well as researchers who are just beginning their research careers in neuroscientific investigations of memory." --James H. Neely, Professor of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York "This is a fascinating set of essays on key concepts in the memory and learning area, some of which have been neglected in recent research. The book should prove extremely useful to both students and researchers." --Hal Pashler, Professor of Psychology, University of California, San Diego "Whats what in memory by a true whos who in memory research; this volume spans the gamut of memory research from molecules to human behaviors at the highest level. In this age of scientific specialization it is refreshing to encounter such a splendid cross-disciplinary synthesis of the science of memory. It is much needed." --Marcus E. Raichle, Professor of Radiology, Neurology, Anatomy and Neurobiology, and Psychology, Washington University in St. Louis "This volume gracefully achieves the rare academic triple: it is novel, comprehensive, and accessible. Whether your background is studying animals or humans, neurons or genes, brains or behavior, this volume will connect you to the larger endeavor of understanding memory and creating a unified science of it." --Barbara A. Spellman, Associate Professor of Psychology, University of Virginia