This project investigates the role of automatic cognitive processes, as compared with conscious, effortful processes, in the memory of mentally retarded persons. A current theoretical position holds that the relationship between short-term memory and intelligence level is due to effortful memory processes. Deficits in these processes in retarded persons account, in part, for their low intelligence. More recent evidence suggests that automatic processes may be involved as well. Automatic processes are of two types, acquired and organic (structural). A series of studies will attempt to define the role of both types of automatic processes and to determine the extent to which nonretarded, cultural-familial retarded, and brain-injured retarded persons differ in these processes. Further, the effects of extended practice on learned automatic processes will be assessed. It is expected that brain injured retarded persons will show deficits in structural processes. Both types of retarded persons will show deficits in learned processes as contrasted with nonretarded persons. The ultimate purpose of this research is to explain short-term memory failures in mentally retarded persons.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
2R01HD015558-05
Application #
3313161
Study Section
Human Development and Aging Subcommittee 1 (HUD)
Project Start
1982-07-01
Project End
1989-08-31
Budget Start
1986-09-01
Budget End
1987-08-31
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
1986
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa
Department
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
City
Tuscaloosa
State
AL
Country
United States
Zip Code
35487
Katz, E R; Ellis, N R (1991) Memory for spatial location in retarded and nonretarded persons. J Ment Defic Res 35 ( Pt 3):209-20
Ellis, N R; Dulaney, C L (1991) Further evidence for cognitive inertia of persons with mental retardation. Am J Ment Retard 95:613-21
Ellis, N R; Woodley-Zanthos, P; Dulaney, C L et al. (1989) Automatic-effortful processing and cognitive inertia in persons with mental retardation. Am J Ment Retard 93:412-23
Ellis, N R; Woodley-Zanthos, P; Dulaney, C L (1989) Memory for spatial location in children, adults, and mentally retarded persons. Am J Ment Retard 93:521-6
Meador, D M; Ellis, N R (1987) Automatic and effortful processing by mentally retarded and nonretarded persons. Am J Ment Defic 91:613-9
Ellis, N R; Katz, E; Williams, J E (1987) Developmental aspects of memory for spatial location. J Exp Child Psychol 44:401-12
Ellis, N R; Deacon, J R; Wooldridge, P W (1985) Structural memory deficits of mentally retarded persons. Am J Ment Defic 89:393-402
Ellis, N R; Wooldridge, P W (1985) Short-term memory for pictures and words by mentally retarded and nonretarded persons. Am J Ment Defic 89:622-6