Human Learning and Memory

Advances in Theory and Applications: The 4th Tsukuba International Conference on Memory

Chizuko Izawa, Nobuo Ohta

• Publisher: Psychology Press
• Year: 2014
• ISBN:
  9781135617837
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Psychology
• Subtopic: History & Theory in Psychology
• Index: Psychology

This text celebrates the fourth Tsukuba International Conference on Memory (Tic4) held in January of 2003, by setting forth productive directions for memory researchers and human learning theorists around the world. It presents fascinating perspectives on progress, and future prospects for models, theories, and hypotheses authors developed, including several new, never published experimental results. Contributors include the winner of the 1997 U.S. Congressional Medal of Science--William K. Estes--who graced the text by penning the forward. The three full day presentations of Tic4 included presentations by 225 experts, represented by 73 universities from countries on four continents: Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. Human Learning and Memory presents 11 chapters by invited speakers, and its appendices include titles of all papers accepted for Tic4 presentations, as well as a background introduction to Japanese cultures, relevant to Tic4 experiences.This book appeals to scholars, researchers, and teachers in the fields of human learning and memory, cognition, language learning, and educational psychology (theoretical, empirical, and applied dimensions). It can also be used as a textbook for both advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in these domains, either as required or recommended reading.

Chapter 1

Introduction and Contributors to the 4^th Tsukuba International Conference on Memory (Tic4) — Human Learning and Memory: Advances in Theory and Application

Chizuko Izaw

Tulane University, USA

“I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world. “ (Albert Einstein, 1929)

Introduction

Tsukuba International Conferences on Memory (Tics)

Memory is central to practically all cognitive processes, if not all psychological processes. Indeed, memory processes approach omnipotence, when learning phenomena are considered at both the level of theory and application, especially in education. It is well recognized that child rearing and education reflect local traditions and cultures. Indeed, how the young are educated may differ from country to country, from culture to culture, albeit the governing principles may be the same everywhere.

Thus, both theoretical and applicational memory research may greatly benefit from the exchange of ideas, and comparison of psychological research worldwide. An ideal place for such crossnational and cross-cultural conferences is the University of Tsukuba (cf. Preface); where Nobuo Ohta Sensei [Professor, a person of great wisdom] initiated the first of the Tsukuba International Conference Series on Memory in 1998.

Given the tremendous scope of memory issues within psychology, it made sense to assign each Tic conference a theme to be narrowed down to manageable and productive proportions, amenable to discussions/presentations. As for the frequency of conferences, an interval of 1–3 years was viewed as useful for keeping up with the rapidly evolving knowledge base.

Consequently, Ticl, held in March 1998, addressed Memory and Consciousness, boasting of such speakers (in the alphabetical order) as: J. R. Anderson, J. Engelkamp, J. Gardiner, L. Jacoby, M. Masson, L.-G. Nilsson, P. Perruchet, L. Reder, and H. L. Roediger.

Tic2 explored Lifespan Memory Development (December, 1999) with: L. Bäckman, D. F. Bjorklund, N. Cowan, A. de Ribaupierre, R. Fivush, P. Graf, G. Hitch, E. A. Maylor, L.-G. Nilsson, D. C. Rubin, T. A. Salthouse, H. Tajika, and H. Sakata.

Tic3 examined Memory and Society (March, 2002), with: D. Albert, E. Bjork, R. Bjork, M. Conway, F. Craik, D. Herrmann, Y. Itsukushima, S. Lindsay, R. Logie, I. Lundberg, M. Mimura, L.-G. Nilsson, K. Pezdek, J. Schooler, and B. Wilson.

The 4^th Tsukuba International Conference on Memory (Tic4) — Human Learning and Memory: Advances in Theory and Application

In the present unsettling and often-violent times, it is essential that the good citizens of the world foster as much normalcy in daily activities as is possible. Come what may, war, pestilence, or peace, science must advance, and enhance human learning and education. This is the key to ultimate world peace.

The Tic4 theme was both critically important and most timely. Indeed, almost nothing is more important in the world today than enhancing efficient learning at school, work, home, and everywhere else. An ever changing/developing technology demands a process of life-long-learning, and therefore a better understanding of memory processes. Hence, the current theme, “Human learning and memory: Advances in theory and application.”

Furthermore, Tic4 strove to present a number of sophisticated formal mathematical/quantitative models, not well represented in the first three Tic sessions. (Because Japan’s mathematics education is one of the best in the world, developments in formal quantitative-theoretical approaches in learning and memory should be more pervasive. What seems needed in Japan is more encouragement. Indeed, Tic4 provided this sorely needed stimulus.)

Learning is a major component of all education, and in today’s world, every country has the essential task of enhancing learning levels. This includes attention to all types of learning in the population, not only children, but also young and older adults involving all of their five senses: For example, learning the meaning of verbal and non-verbal materials such as: letters, characters, symbols, words, numbers, sentences, colors, pictures, faces, music, odors, and tastes, as well as learning to read. Learning motor skills is also essential to most of what is required in daily life, as is the manipulation of all sorts of devices (computers included). Indeed, learning to use our own body in certain ways as in sports and health giving exercises is part of essential learning.

Of crucial import are the effective applications of learning for rehabilitating the disabled, those prone to mental disturbances, or leading misdirected lives (e.g., criminals and terrorists). For the latter, fundamental redirections toward the acquisition of civility and decency must take place. Thus, Tic4 had the imperative task to address a great human need.

Both Professors Ohta and Izawa, the organizers for the 4^th Tsukuba International Conference on Memory (Tic4), sought to achieve the difficult goal of surpassing the previous three Tic conferences by emphasizing memory research which was not substantively addressed during the earlier three Tic sessions. They strove to survey as many diverse facets of memory as possible within each selected theme. Tic4 was held on 11–13 January 2003.

The organizers noted: The success of Tic4 was primarily a function of the outstanding scholars who gathered there. They included a recent recipient of the David Rumelhart Prize (Psychology’s version of the Nobel Prize), Richard M. Shiffrin, the keynote speaker. A major Tic4 innovation in this series was the translations of all oral presentations from English into Japanese.

Eleven overseas speakers and one Japanese speaker were selected from five nations in four continents. They were (in alphabetical order):

Charles J. Brainerd, University of Arizona, USA

Nelson Cowan, University of Missouri, USA

Alice F. Healy, University of Colorado, USA

Lynn Hasher, University of Toronto, Canada

Michael S. Humphreys, University of Queensland, Australia

Chizuko Izawa, Tulane University, USA

Jun Kawaguchi, Nagoya University, Japan

Douglas L. Nelson, University of South Florida, USA

Jeroen G. W. Raaijmakers, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Valerie Reyna, University of Arizona, USA

Richard M. Shiffrin, Indiana University, USA (keynoter), and

Robert L. Solso, University of Nevada, USA.

Professor Solso could not join us, due to serious illness. Also missed were Chuck Brainerd and Val Reyna who reported that the first leg of their flights to Japan was grounded due to bad weather. Fortunately, Takafumi Terasawa (Japan) and Terry Joyce (Japan/UK) Senseis graciously accepted the difficult job of presenting, practically without notice, the papers by the two absent authors. In spite of these struggles on the afternoon of Day 1, all those present did marvelous jobs scientifically and otherwise during all three days, breaking a variety of records (see the Volume’s Postscript).

Japanese Cultural Presentations at Tic4

Given the international aspects of Tic4, participants and audience enjoyed unique experiences only Japan can afford. For an in-depth historical background of the Japanese cultural heritage relevant to Tic4, see Postscript Appendix PS.6. Here (Chap. 1), we touch on only a few of the “cultural” experiences at Tic4, experiences deriving from cultural presentations, in addition to the conference’s cutting edge scientific discourse.

Hina Dolls and Nihon Odori [Classic Japanese Dances]

Japanese Hina dolls are attribute of the “Girls’/Flower Festival,” celebrated on 3 March for many centuries, having originated at the Genji “Court,” described in Lady Murasaki’s classic (970s-1020s), the Tale of Genji [Genji Monogatari], the first great novel in world literature (cf. Seidensticker, 1983). These dolls magnificently robed are featured in a traditional red-carpeted multi-shelf display for weeks during the spring flower/girls’ festival, celebrated in every Japanese household.

A small sample of Hina Dolls was displayed opposite to the check-in counter in the lobby of the Headquarters Hotel, Okura. When next you witness Japanese Imperial Household Festivities, you will see the dazzling life-size Heian imperial robes, designed along the lines of Hina dolls attire.

On opening night, 11 January 2003, those at Tic4 heartily enjoyed a sumptuous Japanese feast featuring rare, fresh seafoods and lavish libations (courtesy of the University of Tsukuba). It was accompanied by a fabulous Japanese dance performance.

Each Japanese dance, performed by three virtuosos, Daichi, Hyogo, and Wakaya Kotobuki (a male and two female dancers), depicted centuries old traditions. Each motion of the dancer has meanings, as explained prior to the performances. Indeed, the performance reflects decades of dedication and training. The first was entitled, Echigo Jishi [Lion from Echigo], an adaptation to Japanese Dancing, in which a male dancer energetically and at times acrobatically danced, mimicking a playful young lion.

The second number was a well-known classic, Yoimachigusa [An Evening Primrose] which blooms quietly at night without being noticed, representing a Japanese girl of bygone days, patiently waiting for her lover’s visit. The final number was another classic, Fuji-Musume [A Young Maiden with a Wisteria Vine], a youthful dance, inspired by the wisteria flower’s (angel) spirit.

All dancers wore beautiful Kimonos; some made of Nishijin fabrics, one of the best silks showing gold and silver threads, originating in the Heian Period (794–1185), Lady Murasaki’s era, although the origin of the Kimono itself dates back to the Nara period (710–794, then the capital). Both Kimonos and Japanese dances continue to thrive today as part of Japan’s enduring cultural heritages.

In honor of Lady Murasaki’s monumental accomplishments (cf. Postscript Appendix PS.6), true to her spirit and name (murasaki = purple), Co-Editor Izawa selected purple for the cover of our Tic4 Volume. Purple is also the color of mystical wisteria flowers after the grand finale of the opening night’s Japanese classic dances, Fuji-Musume [A Maiden with a Wisteria Vine]. Imperial purple is frequently used for dignified occasions at the Imperial Court as well. Purple is also the color of the University of Tsukuba. Indeed, there is no better color than purple to honor the host of Tic4.

Moreover, “San-Go-no-Kiri” [Three-five Blossomed Pauloconia], the crest of the University of Tsukuba, is on the cover and constitutes the decorative theme of the Tic4 volume. In accordance with Japan’s enduring cultural and historical traditions, our volume distinguishes itself by being appropriately dignified, respectful, and of high quality both in substance and appearance.

Japanese Poems [Wakas] and the National Anthem of Japan

The first official collection of Japanese poems published in A.D. 905, Kokin Wakashu [the Collection of Japanese Poems from Ancient and Modern Times] (Kokinshu for short; see Postscript Appendix PS.6 for details) includes “Kimigayo,” the most famous of all Wakas. Both Kokinshu and Genji Monogatari [the Tale of Genji], represent one of the most creative periods of the Japanese court. Their enduring significance over the past 1,100 years may be attributable to the authors’ artistic imagination and their depictions of Nature and the world in terms of human attributes (sentiments, emotions, joys, happiness, and destiny). These works were never confined to the artificial boundaries of nations, cultures, or races.

The traditions established during the Heian Period have been maintained in the Japanese Imperial Court ever since. For example, in early January, to celebrate the New Year, Waka/Tanka recitals take place annually at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo today, just as was done during the Heian Period in Kyoto, or much earlier. Everybody continues to be invited to submit Wakas annually. The winning Japanese poems are recited to the sound of traditional Imperial Court musical instruments before all winners of the year are honored at the dazzling pageantry, in the presence of Their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress of Japan and their family. At times, some winners are overseas poets, including Americans and Europeans

As for Waka Kimigayo, in 1880 the Japanese Imperial Household Ministry invited the public to submit musical scores for the poem to be sung uniformly (rather than a variety of different ways as was the case for the previous 10 centuries). The melody submitted by Hiromori Hayashi was selected (after an English military music teacher, John W. Fenton’s did not produce satisfactory results). Kimigayo in Fig. 1.1 by Hayashi was played for Emperor Meiji (great-grand father of the current Emperor) for his birthday, on 3 November 1880, and became an enormous public success.

Fig. 1.1. Kimigayo: The national anthem of Japan.

Words: by an anonymous Japanese poet in ca AD 905 English translation: by Basil H. Chamberlain.

From that point forward, the Kimigayo has become the National Anthem of J...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Table of Contents
• Foreword
• Preface — Welcome to The 4th Tsukuba International Conference on Memory (Tic4) — Human Learning and Memory: Advances in Theory and Application
• 1. Introduction and Contributors to the 4th Tsukuba International Conference on Memory (Tic4) — Human Learning and Memory: Advances in Theory and Application
• 2. Newly Uncovered Psychophysiological Processes and Study-Test-Rest (S-T-R) Presentation Program Effects for Optimal Learning: Empirical and Theoretical Investigations
• 3. Recollection and Familiarity: Redundancy at the Item Level
• 4. Modeling Implicit and Explicit Memory
• 5. Optimal Foreign Language Learning and Retention: Theoretical and Applied Investigations on the Effects of Presentation Repetition Programs
• 6. Optimizing the Speed, Durability, and Transferability of Training
• 7. Working-Memory Capacity Limits in a Theoretical Context
• 8. Implicitly Activated Memories: The Missing Links of Remembering
• 9. It’s About Time: Circadian Rhythms, Memory, and Aging
• 10. Fuzzy-Trace Theory: Memory
• 11. Fuzzy-Trace Theory, Judgment, and Decision-Making: A Dual-Processes Approach
• Postscript: Closing Remarks, and Appendixes (All Contributors to the 4th Tshukuba International Conference on Memory (Tic4) — Human Learning and Memory: Advances in Theory and Application)
• Indexes