Post-learning arousal enhances veridical memory and reduces false memory in the Deese-Roediger-McDermott paradigm. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2017 Oct;144:198-207
Date
08/02/2017Pubmed ID
28756031DOI
10.1016/j.nlm.2017.07.009Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85026441362 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 5 CitationsAbstract
The Deese-Roediger-McDermott (DRM) paradigm examines false memory by introducing words associated with a non-presented 'critical lure' as memoranda, which typically causes the lures to be remembered as frequently as studied words. Our prior work has shown enhanced veridical memory and reduced misinformation effects when arousal is induced after learning (i.e., during memory consolidation). These effects have not been examined in the DRM task, or with signal detection analysis, which can elucidate the mechanisms underlying memory alterations. Thus, 130 subjects studied and then immediately recalled six DRM lists, one after another, and then watched a 3-min arousing (n=61) or neutral (n=69) video. Recognition tested 70min later showed that arousal induced after learning led to better delayed discrimination of studied words from (a) critical lures, and (b) other non-presented 'weak associates.' Furthermore, arousal reduced liberal response bias (i.e., the tendency toward accepting dubious information) for studied words relative to all foils, including critical lures and 'weak associates.' Thus, arousal induced after learning effectively increased the distinction between signal and noise by enhancing access to verbatim information and reducing endorsement of dubious information. These findings provide important insights into the cognitive mechanisms by which arousal modulates early memory consolidation processes.
Author List
Nielson KA, Correro AN 2ndAuthors
Anthony N. Correro PhD Assistant Professor in the Neurology department at Medical College of WisconsinKristy Nielson PhD Professor in the Psychology department at Marquette University
MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdolescentAdult
Affect
Arousal
Female
Humans
Learning
Male
Memory, Short-Term
Signal Detection, Psychological
Young Adult
