The Science of Human Memory Course
Current research in neuroscience, memory, and interviewing.
This course provides a comprehensive, science-based exploration of how human memory works—and why it is inherently dynamic, reconstructive, and vulnerable to distortion. Drawing from foundational and contemporary research in neuroscience and psychology, students will examine the core processes of memory encoding, consolidation, and retrieval, with an emphasis on how attention, perception, emotion, stress, and sleep influence recall accuracy.
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The course integrates research from leading experts including Dr. Julia Shaw on false memories and memory contamination, Dr. Indre Viskontas on the neural basis of memory and emotion, and Dr. Matthew Walker on the critical role of sleep in memory consolidation. Key concepts from Brain Myths Exploded: Lessons from Neuroscience are used to dispel common misconceptions about memory, confidence, and trauma.
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Students will explore the differences between vivid “flashbulb” memories and everyday recall, the dissociation between confidence and accuracy, and the ethical implications of memory science in high-stakes professional settings. Emphasis is placed on understanding how memory can be unintentionally altered through questioning, feedback, and social influence—and how evidence-based practices can minimize these risks.
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Designed for professionals who rely on accurate information from human recall, this course provides essential memory literacy and a scientific foundation for ethical, effective interviewing and decision-making.