Memory in the calendar calculating savant
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Heavey, Lisa Jane. 1997. Memory in the calendar calculating savant. Doctoral thesis, Goldsmiths, University of London [Thesis]
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Text (Memory in the calendar calculating savant)
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Abstract or Description
The phenomenon of the idiot-savant represents an intriguing paradox. Such individuals function at a low level of general mental ability yet they show outstanding talents in a particular area. Comparatively little, however, is understood about the cognitive processes which underlie such talents. The present series of experiments investigated the unusual skill of calendar calculation. Savant calculators can provide with speed the day of the week of a given date. Many researchers have previously suggested that the skill depends on extensive practice and the rote memorisation of the calendar, although this has never been studied systematically. In the present series of studies, the memory ability underlying savant date calculation was investigated with a group of 10 calendrical calculators, most of whom have a diagnosis of autism. The following conclusions were reached. First, the savants exhibit a highly efficient, talent-specific memory ability. In comparison to age, verbal IQ and diagnosis matched controls, the savants recalled more calendar-related items. However, the groups did not differ in their short- or long-term recall of more general items, unrelated to the calendar. Second, although the savants’ calendar-specific memory ability can operate independently of the calculation process, it is maximally effective when the calculation component is involved. Dates which were calculated were more memorable for the savants when compared to studied dates. Finally, several studies revealed that the domain-specific knowledge base, suggested to underlie calculation, is organized according to the principles of calendar regularity. To account for the present findings, a distinction is drawn between two sources of talent-related knowledge; implicitly activated, calendrically structured knowledge and consciously accessible, eventrelated information.
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Item Type: |
Thesis (Doctoral) |
| Identification Number (DOI): |
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| Keywords: |
idiot-savant, calendar calculation, memory ability |
| Date: |
1997 |
| Item ID: |
33723 |
| Date Deposited: |
05 Jul 2023 10:17 |
| Last Modified: |
05 Jul 2023 12:00 |
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URI: |
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