Distortions in consolidation of competing memory traces by use of a post-encoding manipulation
Year: 2025
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Memories are dynamic and malleable, representing a reconstructed version of the initially encoded information that is shaped by both episodic event details and relevant general knowledge. In this study, we explored whether consolidation mechanisms can be manipulated to prioritize specific episodic details or more generalized prior knowledge. By examining the interaction between event details and generalized knowledge--particularly through hippocampal-cortical mechanisms--we aim to understand how distinct memory systems influence consolidation processes. We utilized a paradigm previously employed in studies in which individuals learned spatial locations of images. Critically, most image locations clustered by their category (e.g. birds, tools) but some images were located far from their category, which differentiates their episodic memories from generalized category knowledge. Following this learning phase, we implemented a delay-dependent retroactive memory manipulation to selectively tag or reinforce either the episodic or generalized memories. This approach was inspired by prior retroactive tagging manipulations and allowed us to induce post-consolidation memory distortions and explore their underlying mechanisms. We hypothesized that prioritizing prior knowledge would emphasize the importance of category information, increasing distortions in retrieval while focusing on specific details would reduce the magnitude of error in retrieval. Our findings revealed that memories for images involved in the post-encoding manipulation targeting category membership were biased toward the spatially consistent category, but only after a 24-hour delay. While this work highlights the potential for retroactively targeting memories over a delay using novel behavioral manipulations, further research is needed to uncover the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying these effects.
DOI: 10.17918/00011181
Authors: Katelyn G. Cliver, Alexa Tompary
Language: English
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4414424153