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From Computational Memory Lab
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Studying the brain

At the Computational Memory Lab, we use brain recordings to better understand how human memory works. We are devoted to learning how people form and retrieve memories. Eventually, we hope this information will be used to improve the lives of people with brain disorders and restore normal memory function to those who have lost it.


About our tasks

The Penn Electrophysiology of Encoding and Retrieval Study focuses on episodic memory. This is your memory for everyday events (including people, places, and things) in time. Because these memories are unique to each person individually, we must find a controlled way to learn about this form of human memory. In this study, we use lists of words, each individual word representing an "episode" in time. Very simply, we will ask you to study lists of words and then recall them in any order.

What is EEG?

"EEG" stands for electroencephalogram. There are many different types of EEG nets, and you may have even worn one before. The EEG nets we use do not require gel or scalp abrasion. The electrodes are housed above a sponge, which sits on your scalp, that is soaked in an electrolyte solution to allow for good conductivity of your brain's electrical activity. This solution is comprised of baby shampoo (to dissolve the oils on your scalp), de-ionized water, and potassium chloride. Although it is rare, some people do experience mild irritation form the solution.