Mind wandering at encoding, but not at retrieval, disrupts one-shot stimulus-control learning

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Memory Research

Background:

• Cognitive control processes can be linked to specific stimuli through memory.
• The episodic control-binding hypothesis suggests temporary stimulus-control bindings in event-files guide cognitive control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of task-focused attention in encoding and implementing stimulus-control bindings.
• To understand how attention influences the formation and use of these memory-based control mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• Experiment 1: Self-reported mind wandering during encoding and implementation phases.
• Experiment 2: Trial-by-trial pupillometry to measure attention during stimulus-control binding tasks.

Main Results:

• Mind wandering during implementation did not impair stimulus-control binding efficacy.
• Mind wandering during encoding significantly interfered with later deployment of bindings.
• Attention levels during encoding were a stronger predictor of subsequent binding implementation than attention during implementation.

Conclusions:

• Active attention during encoding is crucial for forming effective stimulus-control bindings in episodic memory.
• Once encoded, these bindings are automatically deployed to guide behavior upon stimulus recurrence.
• Findings elucidate the integration of cognitive control within episodic event files.