Robust false memory effects under conditions of paired-associate learning

grantor: University of TorontoSubstantial levels of false recall and recognition occur for lists of words semantically related to an unpresented word (Deese, 1959; Roediger & McDermott, 1995). Manipulations that have attenuated this "false memory effect" have reduced the probability of the presented words being linked semantically. We employed a paired-associate learning procedure to de-emphasize the relation between list items and to make individual list items more distinctive. Subjects learned 12 word associates either (a) as 12 individual words (standard condition), (b) as 12 words, each paired with a number (number-noun condition), or (c) as 6 two-word pairs (noun-noun condition). If pairing words with numbers minimizes semantic analysis of each item and reduces the probability of forming links between items, the false memory effect should be reduced. However, the results indicated increased false memory in the number-noun condition, relative to the standard and noun-noun conditions, which did not differ. Correlational analyses were used to explore the causes of the false memory effect.M.A

Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs): Toward Identification of a Behavioral Phenotype

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) currently represent the leading cause of mental retardation in North America, ahead of Down syndrome and cerebral palsy. The damaging effects of alcohol on the developing brain have a cascading impact on the social and neurocognitive profiles of affected individuals. Researchers investigating the profiles of children with FASDs have found impairments in learning and memory, executive functioning, and language, as well as hyperactivity, impulsivity, poor communication skills, difficulties with social and moral reasoning, and psychopathology. The primary goal of this review paper is to examine current issues pertaining to the identification of a behavioral phenotype in FASDs, as well as to address related screening and diagnostic concerns. We conclude that future research initiatives comparing children with FASDs to nonalcohol-exposed children with similar cognitive and socioemotional profiles should aid in uncovering the unique behavioral phenotype for FASDs