Neural codes track prior events in a narrative and predict subsequent memory for details

Communications Psychology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 3(1)

Published: Feb. 16, 2025

Throughout our lives, we learn schemas that specify what types of events to expect in particular contexts and the temporal order which these usually occur. Here, first goal was investigate how such context-dependent structures are represented brain during processing temporally extended events. To accomplish this, ran a 2-day fMRI study (N = 40) exposed participants many unique animated videos weddings composed sequences rituals; each sequence originated from one two fictional cultures (North South), where rituals were shared across cultures, but transition structure between differed cultures. The results, obtained using representational similarity analysis, revealed is multiple ways parallel, including distinct neural representations for culture, sequences, past current within sequence. Our second test hypothesis schema scaffold memory specific details. In keeping with this hypothesis, found strength representation North/South wedding predicted subsequent episodic details wedding.

Language: Английский

Binding items to contexts through conjunctive neural representations with the Method of Loci

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Dec. 20, 2024

Abstract Schematic prior knowledge can provide a powerful scaffold for episodic memories, yet the neural mechanisms underlying this scaffolding process are still poorly understood. A crucial step of is way in which details new episode connected to an existing schema, forming robust memory representation that be easily accessed future. unique testbed studying binding mnemonic technique called Method Loci (MoL), people meaningfully connect items remembered with well-learned list imagined loci. We collected fMRI data from participants 3 longitudinal sessions while they were enrolled month-long MoL training course, all whom showed dramatic improvements their ability remember lists 20 or 40 words. obtained patterns when loci and objects presented by themselves, combined into integrated at encoding, was subsequently retrieved, as well verbal descriptions about associated each item locus. found default mode network regions, including medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), representations highly conjunctive: unified locus-item substantially different linear combination isolated locus representation, reflecting addition integrative specific pair. The conjunctive component reflected particular creative generated individual increased over time gained expertise MoL. Our findings reveal critical role creating meaningful connections between information schematic contexts.

Language: Английский