Computational Models of Event Memory

This chapter discusses key features of computational models of event memory, also called “episodic” memory. Models aim to capture the representations and processes that enable us to perform a variety of episodic memory tasks, including recognition and free, cued, and serial recall. We review different ways in which models distinguish between the content and context of events; how different models represent event memories, including networks and vectors; and the types of processes that operate on memory representations to accomplish retrieval goals, including matching and search. Finally, we discuss how modeling serves broader scientific goals and can help bridge levels of explanation between the cognitive processes involved in memory and their neural instantiation.