Abstract

Given that sensory inputs are dynamic, complex, and continuous, why does conscious experience seem to consist of discrete events that follow one upon another? In this talk I will describe a theory of why and how people perceive discrete events. I’ll argue that the segmentation of ongoing activity into events is a fundamental mechanism of cognitive control and memory updating, and that segmentation results from monitoring errors in prediction during perception and comprehension. We have tested this account by looking at how people understand and remember digital video and narrative texts. The methodologies used include functional neuroimaging, neuropsychology, and adult development. I’ll describe some recent research that tests the theoretical account and applies it to training and cognitive remediation.