Abstract
In the present study, we examined the effect of value-directed encoding on recognition memory and how various divided attention tasks at encoding alter value-directed remembering. In the first experiment, participants encoded words that were assigned either high or low point values in multiple study-test phases. The points corresponded to the value the participants could earn by successfully recognizing the words in an upcoming recognition memory task. Importantly, participants were instructed that their goal was to maximize their score in this memory task. The second experiment was modified such that while studying the words participants simultaneously completed a divided attention task (either articulatory suppression or random number generation). The third experiment used a non-verbal tone detection divided attention task (easy or difficult versions). Subjective states of recollection (i.e., “Remember”) and familiarity (i.e., “Know”) were assessed at retrieval in all experiments. In Experiment 1, high value words were recognized more effectively than low value words, and this difference was primarily driven by increases in “Remember” responses with no difference in “Know” responses. In Experiment 2, the pattern of subjective judgment results from the articulatory suppression condition replicated Experiment 1. However, in the random number generation condition, the effect of value on recognition memory was lost. This same pattern of results was found in Experiment 3 which implemented a different variant of the divided attention task. Overall, these data suggest that executive processes are used when encoding valuable information and that value-directed improvements to memory are not merely the result of differential rehearsal.
Highlights
The central nervous system encounters a seemingly limitless amount of information daily
When value-directed remembering (VDR) paradigms are applied in the context of recognition memory tasks, it is generally found that the typical enhancement to memory for higher-valued information is localized to strongest memories
If executive processes are necessary for value-directed encoding simultaneously completing the random number generation should attenuate the VDR effect, and this attenuation should be most prevalent in the “remember” responses
Summary
The central nervous system encounters a seemingly limitless amount of information daily. The selection and prioritization of content potentiates encoding into long-term memory, but the mechanisms underlying this effect remain unclear These processes have been examined with value-directed remembering (VDR) paradigms where participants encode information that differs in its future value for a subsequent memory task (Watkins & Bloom, 1999; Castel, Benjamin, Craik, & Watkins, 2002). This finding holds true for both younger and older healthy adults (Castel, Murayama, Friedman, McGillivray, & Link, 2013) Overall, these effects support the hypothesis that special processes are recruited during encoding that enhance memories for higher-valued information in VDR paradigms. When VDR paradigms are applied in the context of recognition memory tasks, it is generally found that the typical enhancement to memory for higher-valued information is localized to strongest memories (or recollection in dual-process frameworks). The result that value preferentially affects strongest memories (or recollection) has been repeated in both incidental (Wittmann et al, 2005) and intentional encoding paradigms
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