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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 14, 2025

Using Practice Testing, Public Speaking, and Source Monitoring to Examine the Influences of Learning Strategies and Stress on Episodic Memory
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Successful retrieval is its own reward.

Devyn E Smith, Nicole M Long

    Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
    |August 30, 2024
    PubMed
    Summary

    Successful memory retrieval is intrinsically rewarding, regardless of task goals. This finding suggests that the brain

    Area of Science:

    • Neuroscience
    • Cognitive Psychology
    • Memory Research

    Background:

    • Understanding the motivation behind memory retrieval is crucial for daily functioning.
    • Previous studies observed reward-system activity during memory retrieval, but the signal's origin (intrinsic reward vs. goal-attainment) remained unclear.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate whether the neural signals during memory retrieval reflect intrinsic reward or goal-attainment.
    • To clarify how motivation drives retrieval and how retrieval enhances future memory.

    Main Methods:

    • Human participants completed recognition memory tasks while undergoing scalp electroencephalography (EEG).
    • Test-phase goals were varied (recognize old items vs. detect new items).
    • An independently validated feedback classifier was used to measure positive feedback evidence.

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    Main Results:

    • Positive feedback signals were detected following successful memory retrieval.
    • This positive feedback occurred irrespective of the specific task goals assigned to participants.
    • The findings indicate that successful retrieval itself generates a reward signal.

    Conclusions:

    • Successful memory retrieval appears to be intrinsically rewarding.
    • This intrinsic reward signal may motivate future retrieval attempts.
    • The reward feedback could also strengthen the memory of successfully retrieved events.