Investigating retrieval control mechanisms. (360G-Wellcome-096517_Z_11_Z)

This PhD project is designed to understand the reasons for memory problems in people suffering from schizophrenia. It is likely that these memory problems are at least in part due to failures of memory control processes: that is, failures in processes involved in strategically regulating how information is encoded and retrieved. In pursuing this question event-related potential (ERP), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and behavioural measures will be employed. ERPs have been shown to index several different kinds of retrieval control processes. Similarly, fMRI measures have been shown to be particularly sensitive to encoding operations. Together, such methods are extremely well-suited to investigations of this type. The overall goal of the project is to understand how memory control operates in people suffering from schizophrenia, and how failures of encoding and retrieval control contribute to their memory problems. This will be accomplished in the following ways: - Identifying robust ERP,fMRI and behavioural markers of encoding and retrieval control operations - Observing how these vary according to schizotypy ratings. - Investigating the effects of intervention/training on memory control processes.