Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 3, 2025

The Double-H Maze: A Robust Behavioral Test for Learning and Memory in Rodents
Published on: July 8, 2015
Curiosity Killed the Cat but Not Memory: Enhanced Performance in High-Curiosity States
Caterina Padulo1, Erika Marascia1, Nadia Conte1
1Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, University of Chieti, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
Abstract:
Curiosity benefits memory for target information and may also benefit memory for incidental information presented during curiosity states. However, it is not known whether incidental curiosity-enhanced memory depends on or is affected by the valence of the incidental information during curiosity states. Here, older and younger participants incidentally encoded unrelated face images (positive, negative, and neutral) while they anticipated answers to trivia questions. We found memory enhancements for answers to trivia questions and unrelated faces presented during high-curiosity compared with low-curiosity states in both younger and older adults. Interestingly, face valence did not modify memory for unrelated faces. This suggests processes associated with the elicitation of curiosity enhance memory for incidental information instead of valence.
Related Concept Videos
Higher Mental Functions of Brain: Learning and Memory
Interference and Decay
Interference occurs when competing memories hinder the retrieval of particular information. It can be classified into two types: proactive and retroactive interference. Proactive...
Implicit Memories
One key aspect of implicit...
Chunking and Rehearsal in Sensory Memory
Long-Term Memory
Long-term memory can be categorized into two primary types: explicit and implicit memory. Explicit memory, also known as declarative memory, involves the conscious recollection of information that we deliberately try to remember, recall, and articulate. This type of memory encompasses specific facts, events, and...
Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists

