Synthesizing Memory: Integrating Across Fields and Levels of Scale

Memory researchers isolate themselves from each other in ways that may impede forward progress. This call for a Research Topic is aimed at building research across barriers, such as subfields of memory. We solicit articles adopting approaches that build synthesis to advance memory research and resolve theoretical debates.

One major silo is the isolation of memory subfields. For example, separate literatures describe semantic and episodic memory, and long-term from short-term forms of memory. Similar divisions are found in literatures describing implicit and explicit memory, and prospective and retrospective memory. Each subfield’s literature is associated with largely non-overlapping sets of findings and hot topics. Yet, various theoretical frameworks require adjudication by including multiple types of memory to advance the field.

Silos constrain synthesis by creating ‘horizontal’ limitations within a subfield of memory or within a particular experimental approach. It is time to actively encourage publications that cross subfield barriers.

We solicit manuscripts that provide insight regarding more than one form of memory and/or from more than one experimental approach. One successful approach will be to measure multiple forms of memory within the same manuscript. For instance, a study may include both working memory and episodic memory assessments. Alternatively, an approach might directly address theoretical implications within a broader theory of memory in an adjacent subfield of memory research. Collaboration across subfields and theoretical orientation is encouraged.