Flexible Retrieval

Flexible Retrieval

Flexible Retrieval

• Episodic memory involves flexible retrieval processes that allow us to link together distinct episodes,
  make novel inferences across overlapping events, and recombine elements of past experiences when
  imagining future events. However, the same flexible retrieval and recombination processes that underpin
  these adaptive functions may also leave memory prone to error or distortion, such as source misattributions in which details of one event are mistakenly attributed to another related event. To determine
  whether the same recombination-related retrieval mechanism supports both successful inference and
  source memory errors, we developed a modified version of an associative inference paradigm in which
  participants encoded everyday scenes comprised of people, objects, and other contextual details. These
  scenes contained overlapping elements (AB, BC) that could later be linked to support novel inferential
  retrieval regarding elements that had not appeared together previously (AC). Our critical experimental
  manipulation concerned whether contextual details were probed before or after the associative inference
  test, thereby allowing us to assess whether (a) false memories increased for successful versus unsuccessful inferences, and (b) any such effects were specific to after compared with before participants
  received the inference test. In each of 4 experiments that used variants of this paradigm, participants were
  more susceptible to false memories for contextual details after successful than unsuccessful inferential
  retrieval, but only when contextual details were probed after the associative inference test. These results
  suggest that the retrieval-mediated recombination mechanism that underlies associative inference also
  contributes to source misattributions that result from combining elements of distinct episodes.

Flexible Retrieval: When True Inferences Produce False Memories

Prior to beginning this discussion, please read and view the following required sources:

“Flexible Retrieval: When True Inferences Produce False Memories”

“Memory Suppression in Alzheimer’s Disease”

“Mnemonic Instruction in Science and Social Studies for Students with Learning Problems: A Review”

“Short-Term Memory and Long-Term Memory Are Still Different”

“The Development of Real-Time Stability Supports Visual Working Memory Performance: Young Children’s Feature Binding Can Be Improved Through Perceptual Structure”

Memory

In your initial post, you will apply what you learned from each of the five articles, but you will discuss the findings and implications for just one of these articles. The articles are assigned based on the first letter of your last name. Please see the list below to determine which of the articles you will focus on for your initial post based on the first letter of your last name:

A through E: “Flexible Retrieval: When True Inferences Produce False Memories”

F through J: “Memory Suppression in Alzheimer’s Disease”

K through O: “Mnemonic Instruction in Science and Social Studies for Students with Learning Problems: A Review”

P through T: “Short-Term Memory and Long-Term Memory Are Still Different”

U through Z: “The Development of Real-Time Stability Supports Visual Working Memory Performance: Young Children’s Feature Binding Can Be Improved Through Perceptual Structure”

Mines is—–  A through E: “Flexible Retrieval: When True Inferences Produce False Memories”

In your initial post,

1.) Explain the empirical research presented in your assigned article, applying appropriate citations and references.

2.) Describe, in your own words, how the research relates to your own experiences as well as how this area of psychology may have affected your past or current beliefs about memory development. Do the research findings refute or support your current beliefs, and in what ways? Are there variables about memory of which you were unaware based on your article?

3.) Apply skeptical inquiry to the potential problems that might arise from research in the area of memory, and relate it to the APA’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct.

4.) Provide a rationale for whether or not this premise is valid and/or appropriate based on the findings reported by the assigned articles.

It is recommended that you research articles in the Ashford University Library to support your assertions if the required articles do not provide sufficient information. Your initial post should be at least 500 words in length. NO  Plagiarism

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CLASS

Discussion Questions (DQ)

• Initial responses to the DQ should address all components of the questions asked, include a minimum of one scholarly source, and be at least 250 words.
• Successful responses are substantive (i.e., add something new to the discussion, engage others in the discussion, well-developed idea) and include at least one scholarly source.
• One or two sentence responses, simple statements of agreement or “good post,” and responses that are off-topic will not count as substantive. Substantive responses should be at least 150 words.
• I encourage you to incorporate the readings from the week (as applicable) into your responses.

Weekly Participation

• Your initial responses to the mandatory DQ do not count toward participation and are graded separately.
• In addition to the DQ responses, you must post at least one reply to peers (or me) on three separate days, for a total of three replies.
• Participation posts do not require a scholarly source/citation (unless you cite someone else’s work).
• Part of your weekly participation includes viewing the weekly announcement and attesting to watching it in the comments. These announcements are made to ensure you understand everything that is due during the week.

APA Format and Writing Quality

• Familiarize yourself with APA format and practice using it correctly. It is used for most writing assignments for your degree. Visit the Writing Center in the Student Success Center, under the Resources tab in LoudCloud for APA paper templates, citation examples, tips, etc. Points will be deducted for poor use of APA format or absence of APA format (if required).
• Cite all sources of information! When in doubt, cite the source. Paraphrasing also requires a citation.
• I highly recommend using the APA Publication Manual, 6th edition.

Use of Direct Quotes

• I discourage overutilization of direct quotes in DQs and assignments at the Masters’ level and deduct points accordingly.
• As Masters’ level students, it is important that you be able to critically analyze and interpret information from journal articles and other resources. Simply restating someone else’s words does not demonstrate an understanding of the content or critical analysis of the content.
• It is best to paraphrase content and cite your source.

LopesWrite Policy

• For assignments that need to be submitted to LopesWrite, please be sure you have received your report and Similarity Index (SI) percentage BEFORE you do a “final submit” to me.
• Once you have received your report, please review it. This report will show you grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors that can easily be fixed. Take the extra few minutes to review instead of getting counted off for these mistakes.
• Review your similarities. Did you forget to cite something? Did you not paraphrase well enough? Is your paper made up of someone else’s thoughts more than your own?
• Visit the Writing Center in the Student Success Center, under the Resources tab in LoudCloud for tips on improving your paper and SI score.

Late Policy

• The university’s policy on late assignments is 10% penalty PER DAY LATE. This also applies to late DQ replies.
• Please communicate with me if you anticipate having to submit an assignment late. I am happy to be flexible, with advance notice. We may be able to work out an extension based on extenuating circumstances.
• If you do not communicate with me before submitting an assignment late, the GCU late policy will be in effect.
• I do not accept assignments that are two or more weeks late unless we have worked out an extension.
• As per policy, no assignments are accepted after the last day of class. Any assignment submitted after midnight on the last day of class will not be accepted for grading.

Communication

• Communication is so very important. There are multiple ways to communicate with me: 
  • Questions to Instructor Forum: This is a great place to ask course content or assignment questions. If you have a question, there is a good chance one of your peers does as well. This is a public forum for the class.
  • Individual Forum: This is a private forum to ask me questions or send me messages. This will be checked at least once every 24 hours.