Behavioral reconsolidation interference with episodic memory within-subjects is elusive

Daniel A. Levy, Rotem Mika, Cecilia Radzyminski, Shir Ben-Zvi, Roni Tibon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

In studies of behavioral reconsolidation interference, reactivation of a consolidated memory using some form of reminder is followed by the presentation of new information that can cause interference with that memory. Under these conditions, the interference not only impairs retrieval by indirect processes such as cue interference, but supposedly disrupts the original memory trace directly. Almost all studies of behavioral reconsolidation interference in episodic memory in humans have employed between-subjects paradigms, and deduced reminder effects from intrusion errors. Such studies might introduce confounds arising, for example, from differences in retrieval strategies engendered by the pre-test treatments. We therefore set out to examine whether behavioral reconsolidation interference in episodic memory might be demonstrated within-subjects and by direct memory strength rather than intrusion errors. In three separate experiments, we attempted to disrupt reconsolidation of episodic object-picture memory using a reminder + retroactive interference manipulation. We applied the manipulation over three consecutive days, using a forced-choice recognition test without intrusions from interfering learning, keeping all other study and test parameters constant. No effects of reminder-potentiated interference were observed for measures of accuracy, response times, subjective expressions of recollection, or levels of confidence, as substantiated by Bayesian analyses. These results highlight the difficulty of observing clear behavioral reconsolidation interference effects within-subjects in human episodic memory, and provide some indications of what might be boundary conditions for its demonstration.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)75-83
Number of pages9
JournalNeurobiology of Learning and Memory
Volume150
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2018
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2018 The Author(s)

Funding

RT is supported by a Newton International Fellowship by the Royal Society and the British Academy (grant SUAI/009/ RG91715 ). This funding source was not directly involved in the study design, preparation, analysis and interpretation of data, writing of the report, or decision to submit the manuscript. Open access fees were paid by the UK Medical Research Council - Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge SUAG/022 (General Science). The authors wish to thank Ainav Benbiniamin for assistance with data organization.

FundersFunder number
Royal Society and the British AcademySUAI/009/ RG91715
UK Medical Research Council - Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit
University of Cambridge

    Keywords

    • Episodic
    • Interference
    • Memory
    • Recognition
    • Reconsolidation

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