Psychology of Memory

- To acquire a basic knowledge of memory systems, their functions and their characteristics.

- To acquire an adequate knowledge of the most widely used methodology for studying memory.

- To be able to identify the implications of memory mechanisms on real-life situations.

Theoretical:
1. Introduction to the study of human memory.
2. Short-term memory, working memory.
3. Long-term memory: encoding, retrieval and forgetting processes.
4. Semantic memory and representation of knowledge in memory.
5. Studying memory in real-life situations: autobiographical memory, eyewitness testimony and false memory.

Practical:
1. Search processes in short term memory.
2. Serial position curve.
3. Encoding specificity and retrieval processes in episodic memory.
4. False memories.
5. Emotion-induced recognition bias.

Basic bibliography:

Baddeley, A. D., Eysenck, M.W. and Anderson, M.C. (2018). Memoria (2nd ed). Alianza Editorial.

Fernández-Rey, J., Fraga, I., Redondo, J.M., Alcaraz, M. A. and Pardo-Vázquez, J.L. (2010). Procesos psicológicos básicos II: manual y cuaderno de prácticas de memoria y lenguaje (2nd ed.). Pirámide.

Ruíz-Vargas, J. M. (2010). Manual de Psicología de la memoria. Síntesis.

Baddeley et al.'s (2018) and Ruiz-Vargas' (2010) handbooks will be available at the Library not only in a paper version, but also in an electronic version.

(Complementary bibliography on each topic will be recommended on the program sheet)

General competences of the degree to which the subject contributes:

- To know and understand the functions, characteristics, contributions and shortcomings of the different theoretical models of Psychology.
- To know and understand the laws and principles that govern psychological processes.
- To understand and explain human behaviour by integrating different perspectives.
- To know and understand the methods and designs of research and the techniques of data analysis characteristic of Psychology.
- To select and administer techniques and instruments specific to Psychology.
- To work in teams.
- To be able to elaborate oral and written reports.

Specific competences for the subject:

- To know and understand the main theoretical methods used to study memory, and be able to critically assess their contributions and shortcomings.
- To understand the basic principles of memory functioning and its relationship to other psychological processes.
- To know the most widely used experimental techniques and procedures for studying memory.
- To be able to examine and interpret qualitative and quantitative data acquired through empirical research on memory.
- To be able to identify the most suitable measures for assessing memory functioning.
- To be able to identify the implications of memory mechanisms on real-life situations.

Work on this subject will be organized according to the following guidelines:

The fundamental contents included in the program will be presented and explained through lectures that will be supported with AV presentations in some cases.

Interactive sessions. Lectures will be supplemented with practical activities intended to have students familiarize with the experimental study of memory and also emphasizing some of its applied areas.

Student's individual work includes reading of bibliographic materials and preparing reports of the practical activities carried out.

Support for this subject will be provided via the Moodle Platform on the USC Virtual Campus.

Learning assessment will include students’ work (reports of practical activities and formative evaluation test), and an end-of-term exam for conceptual competences. The exam will account for 60% (0–6 points) and student’s work for 40% (0–4 points) of the overall subject mark. The exam will be an objective multiple-choice test on the theoretical contents of the subject, including up to 20% questions on the practical activities.

Practical activities are a prerequisite for passing the subject. Attendance will be compulsory, allowing only one absence (if justified). Successful completion of such activities will be assessed from students’ reports (0-3 points).

A mid-term test similar to the end-of-term exam will be held. Passing the mid-term exam does not preclude reassessment for the same contents in the end-of-term exam but entitles students to one additional point in their overall mark. This test is intended to provide a measure of fulfilment of the subject objectives and encourage students’ to study and work.

The subject mark will be the sum of those of the above-described assessments provided a score of 3 or higher is obtained in the end-of-term exam. If this score is not obtained and the total sum is equal to or greater than 5 points, the overall mark will be 4.5 points.

The overall mark may be increased taking part in some research activity during the semester. In any case, the subject mark on a student’s academic record can never exceed 10 points.

The partial marks obtained by a student with a FAIL overall mark will be retained until the next assessment call. In any case, even if he did not take the end of term exam, his overall mark will appear in his academic record, following the criteria mentioned above.

In the case of fraudulent exercises or tests, the provisions of "Ley 3/2022, de 24 de febrero, de convivencia universitaria" and in the "Regulamento polo que se establecen as normas de convivencia da USC", regarding the disciplinary sanctions of students for committing academic fraud, shall apply.

Students with dispensation from class attendance must necessarily take the mid-term test and the end-of-term exam in person, the assessment criteria for these tests being the same as for the other students. As a prerequisite for passing the subject, they should perform 3 of the programmed practical activities, whose assessment would be made on 2 points. In addition, they would be proposed to carry out 2 complementary activities to the theoretical contents, by means of which they could obtain up to 1 point for the overall mark.

Classroom hours: 37,5 hours

- Expositive sessions: 24 hours
- Interactive sessions: 13,5 hours

Non-attendance activities (reading of bibliographic materials, preparation of activity reports, study, etc.): 75 hours
Total workload: 112.5 hours (4.5 ECTS credits)

- It is advisable to regularly attend lectures and take an active role in them, as well as to carry out the proposed activities. The teachers’ explanations should be supplemented with self-study of the basic reference handbooks.
- Students should strive to conduct practical activities properly and write appropriate reports in order to better understand the phenomena concerned and strengthen their theoretical knowledge.
- It is very important to efficiently allocate time for self-study and personal work on the subject throughout the term in order to facilitate the gradual, reflective acquisition of its contents.
- Students can make use of face-to-face tutorials within the following schedule:
Prof. José Fernández Rey: Monday, Thursday and Friday, from 12 to 14 h. (office nº 72, 2nd floor, module B).
Prof. Jaime Mauro Redondo Lago: Monday and Thursday, from 10 to 13 h. (office nº 46, 1st floor, module C2).
Profª. María José Sampedro Vizcaya: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, from 10 to 12 h. (Dean's office, floor 0, module A).