Top-down task goals induce the retrieval state.

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Memory Research
• Brain States

Background:

• The retrieval state, a whole-brain pattern supporting memory recall, can be influenced by both explicit goals (top-down) and stimulus properties (bottom-up).
• Understanding the interplay between these factors is crucial for elucidating cognitive control over memory processing.

Approach:

• Recognition memory tasks were performed by human participants with manipulated test phase goals.
• Scalp electroencephalography (EEG) recorded brain activity, analyzed using a validated mnemonic state classifier.
• Retrieval state engagement was measured against top-down goals and bottom-up stimulus repetition.

Key Points:

• The retrieval state was engaged for recognized old items irrespective of the top-down goal.
• When the goal was to recognize old items, the retrieval state was also engaged for new items (correct rejections).
• Retrieval state engagement was higher for low-confidence hits than high-confidence hits when the goal was to recognize old items.

Conclusions:

• Top-down demands to recognize old items can independently induce the retrieval state.
• This suggests the recruitment of internal attention to facilitate the access of stored representations.
• These findings offer insights into how cognitive control modulates memory retrieval processes.