Forgetting in the human brain
Context
Forgetting is a fundamental part of life. Although we often view forgetting as a failure of memory, it may serve an important function in terms of ensuring our memories are useful and relevant. Importantly, forgetting is not uniform in nature, and may depend on what information is being retained. This project aims to reveal both why and how forgetting occurs in the human brain.
The research
Our research combines experimental psychology, computational modelling, and brain imaging (fMRI and MEG) to reveal how forgetting differs across brain regions. In particular, we are interested in the forgetting of complex episodic events – for example, forgetting of a salient personal event in your life. Which aspects of this event do we retain over time and why, and how does this shape our behaviour in the present?
Featured publications
Contact us
York Neuroimaging Centre
Co-directors Aidan Horner and Beth Jefferies, Department of Psychology
reception@ynic.york.ac.uk
+44 (0)1904 325940
York Neuroimaging Centre,
The Biocentre,
York Science Park,
Heslington,
York
YO10 5NY
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Featured researcher
Aidan Horner
Dr Horner's research interests are broadly related to how the brain remembers information over long periods of time. He uses experimental psychology, virtual reality, brain imaging and computational modelling to understand the neural mechanisms that support long-term memory.
Contact us
York Neuroimaging Centre
Co-directors Aidan Horner and Beth Jefferies, Department of Psychology
reception@ynic.york.ac.uk
+44 (0)1904 325940
York Neuroimaging Centre,
The Biocentre,
York Science Park,
Heslington,
York
YO10 5NY
@@UOY_YNiC