Jonathon Whitlock

I implement eye-tracking research for the purposes of identifying encoding and retrieval mechanisms that reflect memory formation and subsequent memory strength in Relational Memory. Measures of eye-tracking implemented in my research includes duration of fixation time, both at the beginning of each test trial (i.e., first-gaze measures) as well as immediately prior to behavioral selection in recognition, both of which demonstrate the eye-movements contribute to successful recollection and the strength of successfully recognized items. Additionally, I implement pupillometry measures during learning in order to identify encoding processes that are reflected in pupil-size fluctuations to studied stimuli and how these are related to viewing measures during retrieval.

I am also interested in Intentional Forgetting, as is studied using the Directed Forgetting procedures. My work in this area focuses on intentional forgetting of Relational Memory and the mechanisms that support it Intentional Forgetting more broadly. Specifically, my work in Directed Forgetting assess contrasting predictions made between Selective Rehearsal and the more contemporary accounts of Item-Method DF that involve inhibition or suppression.