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Manipulating memory efficacy affects the behavioral and neural profiles of deterministic learning and decision-making
Joshua J Tremel1, Daniella M Ortiz2, Julie A Fiez3
1Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Learning Research and Development Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Neuropsychologia
|April 30, 2018
Summary
Decision-making relies on memory, with the brain using different neural systems for learning short versus long lists. Prior experience and task context shape how we encode information and make future choices.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neurobiology of Decision-Making
Background:
- Decision-making involves evaluating information, influenced by past experiences.
- Contextual and structural factors of prior decisions impact information encoding and future choices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how manipulating the amount of information affects declarative memory and decision-making.
- To explore neural differences associated with decision-making during learning under varying memory loads.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments were conducted using a concurrent discrimination learning task with 50- or 100-pair sets.
- Experiment 1 involved memory tests interrupting learning to assess encoding differences.
- Experiment 2 utilized fMRI to examine neural activity during learning and decision-making.
Main Results:
- A striatum-based system was linked to decision-making in the 100-pair group, while a medial cortical network was associated with the 50-pair group.
- The hippocampus showed exclusive activity in the 50-pair group.
- Behavioral and imaging data revealed distinct mnemonic representations contributing to decision-making.
Conclusions:
- Experienced-based decision-making is supported by multiple mnemonic representations.
- Task context and prior decisions influence the evidence drawn upon during decision-making processes.
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