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The control of long-term memory: brain systems and cognitive processes
1Experimental Neuropsychology Unit, Department of Psychology, Saarland University, lm Stadtwald, D-66041 Saarbrücken, Germany. mecklinger@mx.uni-saarland.de
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|December 1, 2009
Summary
This review explores controlled memory retrieval, detailing how binding mechanisms and neural processes support goal-directed recall and forgetting. Understanding these mechanisms, involving cue and target biases, is key to memory function.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Psychology
Background:
- Controlled memory retrieval involves accessing long-term stored information to meet current goals.
- Binding mechanisms are crucial for integrating memory fragments based on retrieval cues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review controlled memory retrieval processes.
- To explore the interaction between retrieval cues and memory-stored information.
- To discuss the neural underpinnings of memory retrieval and suppression.
Main Methods:
- Selective review of empirical evidence.
- Analysis of event-related potential (ERP) slow waves.
- Neuroanatomical investigation of prefrontal cortex (PFC) and posterior parietal cortex (PPC) roles.
Main Results:
- ERP slow waves are sensitive to retrieval orientation initiation and maintenance.
- Controlled retrieval mechanisms support both remembering and forgetting (suppression of unwanted memories).
- Two classes of mechanisms identified: cue bias (PFC-dependent) and target bias (PPC-dependent).
Conclusions:
- Controlled memory retrieval is essential for goal-directed cognition.
- Distinct neural mechanisms, involving PFC and PPC, support different aspects of controlled retrieval.
- Understanding retrieval and suppression mechanisms offers insights into memory function and dysfunction.
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