Appraising and accelerating theoretical progress in memory modification research with meta-science, Bayesian statistics, and an open-collaborative approach.

Descrizione del progetto

Processi di modifica della memoria con statistiche bayesiane

Il focus della psicologia e delle neuroscienze è sulla comprensione dei processi di formazione della memoria per giungere a nuove terapie cognitive e interventi basati su modificazioni della memoria. Tuttavia, attualmente gli studi teorici in questo settore mancano dell’affidabilità necessaria e hanno un basso livello di diagnostica. L’uso predominante delle statistiche frequentiste limita le inferenze statistiche informative. Il progetto AAT, finanziato dall’UE, supporterà una borsa di studio individuale nella valutazione sistematica dello studio di modifica della memoria con l’uso di statistiche bayesiane basate su regole scientifiche aperte per ottenere i migliori progressi teorici. Una formazione in competenze metodologiche trasferibili e una forte collaborazione con esperti europei aiuteranno lo scienziato a ottenere competenze in settori che intersecano la psicologia sperimentale e la meta-ricerca.

Obiettivo

This fellowship will involve appraising and accelerating theoretical progress in memory modification research with Bayesian statistics, collaboration, and open science. I have proposed an ambitious and innovative research agenda that complements my existing knowledge and skillset (memory modification, meta-science, open science) with the expertise of my prospective supervisor (Bayesian statistics, open science, collaborative science). Theoretical progress in the field of memory modification has stalled due to problems with the credibility of the published literature. Issues include small sample sizes, a lack of transparency, and low theoretical diagnosticity. Additionally, the predominant use of frequentist statistics limits opportunities for informative statistical inferences, particularly quantifying evidence for the null hypothesis. The proposed research will involve a systematic appraisal of the memory modification field using Bayesian statistics and a consortium project based on open science principles to accelerate theoretical progress. The procedures developed could be usefully extended to other research areas through collaboration with domain experts. This research agenda will provide me with ample training opportunities to develop a strong repertoire of statistical, methodological, and transferable skills. I will be in an excellent position to enrich my unique research portfolio and publish research outputs in high quality open access outlets. The mobility and reintegration aspects of the fellowship will be especially beneficial in helping me to consolidate existing European collaborations and develop new professional relationships in the Netherlands’ burgeoning meta-science network. In sum, the fellowship will provide me with the training and opportunities I need to lay the foundations of my career as an independent scientist, eventually leading my own European research group at the intersection of experimental psychology and meta-research.