What We Have Learned about Memory from Neuroimaging

In this chapter, we discuss the extent to which functional neuroimaging has informed memory theories. We give examples where: 1) neuroimaging has been used to investigate memory concepts that are difficult to study behaviourally, or proved difficult to distinguish behaviourally; 2) neuroimaging has been used to infer memory processes from local brain activity and provide ideas for subsequent behavioural investigations; 3) improved high-resolution neuroimaging has promoted translational research between animals and humans; 4) multivariate pattern analysis has opened new perspectives on memory processes and representations; and 5) functional connectivity analyses have highlighted communication between brain areas, rather than local activation. Throughout, we raise important questions about functional localisation, functional-anatomical mappings and appropriate levels of anatomical and functional description. Providing one does not lose sight of the assumptions that bridge from brain activity to cognitive function, we conclude neuroimaging will continue to provide new theoretical insights in memory research.