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Updated: May 11, 2026
05:15
The (Spatial) Memory Game: Testing the Relationship Between Spatial Language, Object Knowledge, and Spatial Cognition
Published on: February 19, 2018
A mechanism for multidisciplinary dialogue: the memory & … series.
Kristi S Multhaup1, Scott Denham, Hilton Kelly
1Psychology Department, Davidson College, Davidson, NC 28035;
Summary
This study introduces a multidisciplinary discussion series fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and communication about memory. The series successfully trains scientists to communicate complex memory research to diverse audiences.
Area of Science:
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Memory is studied from diverse perspectives including molecular, physiological, cognitive, social, historical, and cultural angles.
- Traditional academic disciplines often operate in isolation, limiting cross-pollination of ideas.
- There is a growing need for scholars to communicate research beyond disciplinary boundaries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the establishment and benefits of a multidisciplinary discussion series focused on memory.
- To highlight the series' role in promoting interdisciplinarity and training scholars in science communication.
- To demonstrate the adaptability of this format for other cross-disciplinary topics.
Main Methods:
- Founding and organizing a series of faculty and staff discussions across arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
- Featuring panelist presentations from various disciplines on the role of memory in their work.
- Facilitating audience discussions including students, staff, and community members.
- Anchoring the series annually with a keynote address by an eminent cross-disciplinary memory scholar.
Main Results:
- The discussion series successfully brings together diverse academic fields to explore memory.
- Participants gain insights into how memory is integral to various scholarly and teaching practices.
- The series effectively trains scientists to communicate their work to non-scientific audiences.
Conclusions:
- Thematic, multidisciplinary discussion series offer significant benefits for academic institutions.
- Such series align with the increasing emphasis on interdisciplinarity in higher education.
- The model can be adapted to address other complex topics, fostering broader academic and public engagement.
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