An attribute analysis of memory: The role of the hippocampus

Abstract

A theoretical framework is proposed incorporating the multidimensional relationships between neurobiology and an attribute theory of memory representation. Within this context, a working hypothesis is proposed suggesting that the hippocampus primarily subserves the encoding, storing, and/or retrieving of both absolute spatial and long-term temporal attributes of specific episodes. Data based on electrical stimulation of the hippocampus within a number of different learning situations are presented in support of the proposed working hypothesis. In addition, data are presented to demonstrate that the hippocampus does not play a critical role in the encoding of specific episodes that encompass primarily relative spatial and/or short-term temporal attributes. Finally, data are presented to show that other neural regions might encode attributes of an episode that do not involve the encoding of absolute spatial and long-term temporal attributes. © 1980, Psychonomic Society, Inc.. All rights reserved.