Working memory (WM), a core cognitive function, enables the maintenance and manipulation of a limited amount of information over disruptions in sensory input. This correlates with measures of academic achievement and general intelligence, and the neural mechanisms of WM can be effectively studied in animal model systems. We will survey the history of models of WM, with emphasis on modern study of WM capacity limits in humans and animals based on performance in visual tasks. We will cover theoretical & computational models of behavioral performance on WM tasks, theories of the neural mechanisms supporting WM, and how such models can be evaluated empirically in animal model systems and with human cognitive neuroscience methods.
4
UnitsOptional
Grading1
PasstimeNone
Level LimitLetters and science
College50% of the grade was participation which makes no sense in a class with over a hundred students in a lecture hall. The other 50% were exams based on incredibly difficult to understand readings. Hes a really nice guy but it was his first time teaching the class and it really showed, there was no organization or purpose to the class.
One of the kindest professors in the PBS Department. Such an engaging lecturer, made 3 hours go by quickly!
Asks for our feedback then doesn't listen. Lectures too fast for us to understand. Asks us to read too many papers for us to actually take the time to understand then because there are too many papers, he can't take the time to help us understand them. He needs to assign less so he can focus on those things and take the time to actually teach us.
This course was amazing and Professor Sprague is well spoken and explains topics well. The class was not mandatory, but people normally showed up because he made the class interesting and included "demos" that made it interactive. I did not do as well as I hoped during the first midterm, but I learned after that reading the textbook really helped!
One of the best professors I've had, very approachable as well! Lectures are engaging and easily digestible. Class is graded fairly with extra credit, just study for the exams as they are weighed pretty heavily. He recommends the textbook readings but if you understand the lecture content well then I think the readings are mostly just supplemental.
READ THE TEXTBOOK. Sprague is a great guy, but the lectures can be confusing.... the textbook helps so much and I highly recommend reading the chapters they really help understanding the info.
Regina Lapate
4.4
Tamsin German
4.5
Stanley Klein
4.3
Michael Goard
4.3
Barry Giesbrecht
4.5