Memory for Event Sequences

Conceptual knowledge about complex, chronological event sequences plays an important part in coping with daily routines. So far it has not been resolved how this knowledge is represented in memory and retrieved task dependently (Rosen et al., 2003). The model by Humphreys & Forde (1998) states that familiar event sequences are organised hierarchically and are made available in working memory. According to the model, knowledge retrieval is determined by the so-called activation gradient . However, up till now the model has only been tested on clinical populations. The aim of this project is a critical evaluation of the model. In addition to behavioural data (reaction times and error rates), the task dependent pupillary response is used to gain insights into time course and resource consumption of knowledge retrieval. Study 1 examines the activation gradient that is postulated by Humphreys & Forde (1998) and whether it determines the order of activities within familiar events. Study 2 explores whether other order structures (centrality, Galambos & Rips, 1982), beside the hierarchic order, are detectable. Studies 3 and 4 evaluate position- and direction-effects in familiar sequences of events. Such effects are considered as evidence for a linear order structure. Study 5 shall analyse the consumption of resources when event sequences are retrieved. Finally, study 6 explores how individual capacity of working memory affects the retrieval of event sequences.