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MINERVA 2: A simulation model of human memory

Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers volume 16, pages 96–101 (1984)Cite this article

Abstract

An overview of a simulation model of human memory is presented. The model assumes: (1) that only episodic traces are stored in memory, (2) that repetition produces multiple traces of an item, (3) that a retrieval cue contacts all memory traces simultaneously, (4) that each trace is activated according to its similarity to the retrieval cue, and (5) that all traces respond in parallel, the retrieved information reflecting their summed output. The model has been applied with success to a variety of phenomena found with human subjects in frequency and recognition judgment tasks, the schema-abstraction task, and paired-associate learning. Application of the model to these tasks is briefly summarized.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, 97403, Eugene, OR

    Douglas L. Hintzman

Authors
  1. Douglas L. Hintzman
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Additional information

This research was supported in part by National Science Foundation Grant BNS-7824987 and in part by a fellowship to the author from the James McKeen Cattell Fund. Thanks are due also to the MRC Applied Psychology Unit, Cambridge, England, for the use of their facilities in some of this work.

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Hintzman, D.L. MINERVA 2: A simulation model of human memory. Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers 16, 96–101 (1984). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03202365

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03202365

Keywords

  • Memory Trace
  • Primary Memory
  • Secondary Memory
  • Recognition Judgment
  • Category Exemplar