Amy H. Criss
Dr. Criss is an expert in cognitive science, investigating memory in particular. To best facilitate the development of a comprehensive and accurate model of memory, the research tests existing models to identify core assumptions and critical data necessary to model memory. Fully understanding memory requires the development of models that account for a range of tasks and a range of effects. In particular, Dr. Criss and her research associates build computer models to mimic the human memory system and understand the processes that underline human episodic memory. A multidisciplinary approach spanning experimental psychology, gerontology, computational science, and cognitive neuroscience lays the groundwork for a unified mechanistic account of memory. Empirical and theoretical accounts of memory have been advanced by adopting multiple techniques and employing sophisticated analysis of response time distributions to evaluate models of memory. This unique approach has the potential to revolutionize the field of memory. Her research has application in criminal justice and educational testing by understanding the properties of effective memory cues. The research also has potential in the treatment of memory disorders. Dr. Criss is funded by the National Science Foundation.
Memory Modeling Lab
The broad goal of our lab is to understand memory. Perhaps no other function of the cognitive system is as important as memory, nevertheless the basic processes underlying the human memory system are not yet fully understood. To best facilitate the development of a comprehensive and accurate model of memory, we focus on testing existing models with the goal of identifying the core assumptions and critical data necessary to model memory. The MeMo lab adopts a multidisciplinary approach, spanning experimental psychology, gerontology, computational science, and cognitive neuroscience.
Members of the MeMo Lab conduct independent research projects combining behavioral experiments, computational modeling, and sometimes neurophysiological measures to understand episodic memory. We are housed in the Cognition, Brain, & Behavior space in Huntington Hall at Syracuse University. We have a conference room for large and small group meetings, individual workspace, clusters for data collection space (14 booths), and two control rooms from which to monitor participants. The MeMo Lab is equipped with several personal computers, a dual quad-core workstation for conducting simulations and storing data, an eye tracker, and a EEG rig.
The Memory Modeling Lab is always interested in hearing from potential new members. If you are interested in joining in the lab, please contact Dr. Criss.