Q301 Fall 1999

Application Paper #2 - Groups

Project: Theories of Memory

Section: Memory and Learning

You’ve watched the video tape about Clive and have seen the difficulties that he with memory. As you know, his hippocampi are lost due to the viral infection. The central question that this case raises is: What is the role of the hippocampus in memory? Are there different kinds of memory, and which kinds does removal of the hippocampus affect?

These questions essentially ask you to take on the role of an investigative cognitive neuroscientist. We need to look at the various forms of human memory and see which of these we can tie to the hippocampus. To answer these questions we will also take advantage of the cellular mechanisms that enable the encoding of new memories.

Your first task will be to decide which aspects of memory Clive can and cannot do.

Things Clive Can Do:

Things Clive Cannot Do:

Next, use the information derived from Clive along with information you find in the readings to describe the role of the hippocampus in human memory. Your description should include a discussion of learning at the cellular level, which will also be covered in a separate assignment on the cellular basis of learning.

Once you have covered the role of the hippocampus in memory, provide a general classification of all forms of human memory. This could take the form of a table or a hierarchical chart. The book and the readings have several suggested formats, but you should feel free to organize the information in a manner that is most meaningful to you.

Your report should have the following sections. Refer to the Evaluation criteria for more specific detail on what should be included.

Introduction- This section should state the goals that you, the investigative cognitive neuroscientist, hope to achieve as part of this investigation of the amnesic named Clive.

Clive's Abilities- provide a fairly clear characterization of Clive's abilities. In as much as possible, try to tie these to the following section.

The Role of the Hippocampus in Human Memory Your report should include a discussion of how the hippocampus interacts with cortex to enable the storage and retrieval of memories.

Summary of Different Forms of Memory. In this section, summarize your breakdown of human memories into a table or other representation. Provide a separate list that includes how each form of memory does/does not interact with the hippocampus. Also indicate which of these Clive maintains and which he has lost.

This assignment should take no more that 5-7 pages.

September 28 - Synaptic Plasticity project due.

October 19- Application paper 2 is due in class.