Memory instability as a gateway to generalization

Robertson, E. M. (2018) Memory instability as a gateway to generalization. PLoS Biology, 16(3), e2004633. (doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2004633) (PMID:29554094) (PMCID:PMC5875887)

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Abstract

Our present frequently resembles our past. Patterns of actions and events repeat throughout our lives like a motif. Identifying and exploiting these patterns are fundamental to many behaviours, from creating grammar to the application of skill across diverse situations. Such generalization may be dependent upon memory instability. Following their formation, memories are unstable and able to interact with one another, allowing, at least in principle, common features to be extracted. Exploiting these common features creates generalized knowledge that can be applied across varied circumstances. Memory instability explains many of the biological and behavioural conditions necessary for generalization and offers predictions for how generalization is produced.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Robertson, Professor Edwin
Authors: Robertson, E. M.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience
Journal Name:PLoS Biology
Publisher:Public Library of Science
ISSN:1544-9173
ISSN (Online):1545-7885
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2018 Edwin M. Robertson
First Published:First published in PLoS Biology 16(3): e2004633
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
696822Understanding the mechanisms that lead to human performance enhancementEdwin RobertsonUS Air Force (USAF)FA9550-16-1-0191INP - CENTRE FOR COGNITIVE NEUROIMAGING