ABSTRACT
The Third Practical Aspects of Memory conference, and the two volumes that have come out of the conference, demonstrate that a great deal of interest exists in the practical aspects of memory. One illustration of this is that the number of papers has increased considerably from the first to the second to the third Practical Aspects of Memory (PAM) Conference, from 90 in 1978 to 190 in 1987 to 250 in 1994. Since the first conference, we have witnessed the birth of an applied journal concerned with memory and cognition, the journal Applied Cognitive Psychology. In recent years there have been special issues concerned with practical aspects of memory in basic research journals, such as Memory & Cognition. Furthermore, the American Psychological Association has recently initiated an applied journal, mainly concerned with cognition, in the Journal of Experimental Psychology series. Finally, as of last year, we have a formal organization to represent our interests, the Society for Applied Research in Memory and Cognition. It is fair to say that applied research in memory and cognition has come of age.
