Reward anticipation selectively boosts encoding of gist for visual objects

Liyana T Swirsky,Julia Spaniol,Ryan M Marinacci

doi:10.1038/s41598-020-77369-4

Liyana T Swirsky, Julia Spaniol + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-77369-4

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Journal: Scientific Reports	Publication Date: Nov 19, 2020
Citations: 6	License type: open-access

Affiliation: Toronto Metropolitan University

Abstract

Reward anticipation at encoding enhances later recognition, but it is unknown to what extent different levels of processing at encoding (gist vs. detail) can benefit from reward-related memory enhancement. In the current study, participants (N = 50) performed an incidental encoding task in which they made gist-related or detail-related judgments about pairs of visual objects while in anticipation of high or low reward. Results of a subsequent old/new recognition test revealed a reward-related memory benefit that was specific to objects from pairs encoded in the attention-to-gist condition. These findings are consistent with the theory of long-axis specialization along the human hippocampus, which localizes gist-based memory processes to the anterior hippocampus, a region highly interconnected with the dopaminergic reward network.

Highlights

Another factor that can alter encoding processes to influence later memory outcomes is reward motivation
A motivational state induced by cues signaling the potential for reward, reliably elicits a dopaminergic r esponse[17,18] and can influence hippocampal-dependent memory via dopaminergic transmission from the midbrain and limbic regions to the hippocampus[19,20,21]
The current study examined the influence of reward anticipation on the encoding of gist versus detail

Summary

Introduction

Another factor that can alter encoding processes to influence later memory outcomes is reward motivation. One putative mechanism common to both motivation and arousal is boosted selectivity of attention and memory, such that task-relevant target information is prioritized and taskirrelevant information is suppressed It is not clear, how reward motivation at encoding would influence different levels of processing. Encoding of high-level, nested multi-event memories is associated with activity in anterior hippocampus, whereas encoding of more specific, single-event memories is associated with posterior hippocampus[37] Both animal studies and human neuroimaging studies provide converging evidence in support of a representational gradient along the longitudinal hippocampal axis

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