Research Foundations of Memory Connections
Scientific basis for AgentDock's memory connection system
AgentDock's memory architecture is informed by established cognitive science principles on how human memory works. This document explains the theoretical foundations behind our design decisions.
Core Research Principles
1. Spreading Activation Theory
Based on Collins & Loftus (1975), memories are interconnected nodes that activate related memories when accessed.
Key Insight: When one memory is activated, related memories become more accessible through spreading activation.
2. Episodic-Semantic Interdependence
Tulving (1972) established the distinction between:
- Episodic Memory: Time-stamped personal experiences
- Semantic Memory: General knowledge and facts
Greenberg & Verfaellie (2010) showed these systems are interdependent:
3. Conceptual Graphs
Sowa (1984) formalized knowledge representation using typed relationships:
How Research Informs Our Design
Connection Discovery Pipeline
Our progressive enhancement approach follows the cognitive principle of graded activation:
- Fast Path (Embedding): Like automatic memory associations
- Rule Path (User Rules): Like learned patterns
- Deep Path (LLM): Like conscious reasoning
4. Temporal Pattern Detection
Our system implements practical temporal pattern analysis to identify usage patterns and memory activity clustering:
Conway (2009) provided insights into episodic memory structure that inform our approach to temporal pattern detection.
Key Insights:
- Burst periods of high activity strengthen memory formation
- Daily patterns reflect natural cognitive rhythms
- Temporal proximity influences connection strength
- Pattern detection enables intelligent memory organization
Scientific Validation
Our approach aligns with established cognitive principles:
| Principle | Research | Our Implementation |
|---|---|---|
| Connection Networks | Collins & Loftus, 1975 | Multi-hop graph traversal |
| Semantic Networks | Sowa, 1984 | Typed connection relationships |
| Memory Interdependence | Greenberg & Verfaellie, 2010 | Episodic→Semantic promotion |
| Temporal Patterns | Conway, 2009 | Activity pattern detection |
Key Insights for Developers
- Not Random: Connection types based on established cognitive science principles
- Biologically Inspired: Mimics human memory organization
- Computationally Efficient: Leverages known patterns from cognitive science
- Proven Effective: These principles power human intelligence
References
- Collins, A. M., & Loftus, E. F. (1975). A spreading-activation theory of semantic processing. Psychological Review, 82(6), 407-428.
- Conway, M. A. (2009). Episodic memories. Neuropsychologia, 47(11), 2305-2313.
- Greenberg, D. L., & Verfaellie, M. (2010). Interdependence of episodic and semantic memory. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 16(5), 748-753.
- Sowa, J. F. (1984). Conceptual Structures: Information Processing in Mind and Machine. Addison-Wesley.
- Tulving, E. (1972). Episodic and semantic memory. In Organization of memory (pp. 381-403). Academic Press.
Related Documentation
- Memory Connections - See these research principles implemented in AgentDock's connection system
- Graph Architecture - Technical implementation of spreading activation and semantic networks
- Architecture Overview - How the four-layer memory system reflects cognitive science principles