"How can we remember certain events from our childhood as if they happened yesterday and then forget we did last week? Why does our memory seem to work well at some times but not at others? What happens when it goes wrong? Can memory be improved or manipulated by psychological techniques, or even 'brain implants'? How does memory grow and change as we age? And what of so-called 'recovered' memories?
This Very Short Introduction brings together the latest research in neuroscience and psychology to address these important questions around the science of memory. It weaves case studies, anecdotes, and even literature and philosophy into its explanations of how memory works and why we can't live without it. This edition includes major updates that take into account recent developments in our understanding of memory, especially in areas such as sleep and healthy aging."
"Memories are an integral part of being human. They haunt us, we cherish them, and in our lives we collect more of them with each new experience. Without memory, you would not be able to maintain a relationship, drive your car, talk to your children, read a poem, watch television, or do much of anything at all.
Memory: A Very Short Introduction explores the fascinating intricacies of human memory. Is it one thing or many? Why does it seem to work well sometimes and not others? What happens when it 'goes wrong'? Can it be improved or manipulated through techniques such as mnemonic rhymes or 'brain implants'? How does memory change as we age? And what about so-called recovered memories—can they be relied upon as a record of what actually happened in our personal past? This book brings together our most recent knowledge to address (in a scientifically rigorous but highly accessible way) these and many other important questions about how memory works, and why we can't live without it."
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