Abstract
Memory reconsolidation theory states that upon reactivation, our memories become labile and susceptible to modification. Recent research indicates prediction error is a critical component of reactivation. Here I examined whether varying levels of prediction error, quantified as level of surprise (Study 1), differentially update episodic memories with new information. 74 participants underwent a three-day reconsolidation paradigm (Study 2). Day 1: participants viewed 18 videos. Day 2: participants randomized to the experimental group were reminded of the videos using three reminder cues that elicit different amounts of prediction error followed by viewing interference videos overlapping in content. Participants randomized to the control group viewed interference videos first, followed by reminder cues. Day 3: memory for Day 1 videos was tested. While there was a main effect of reminder cue on number of intrusions, indicating a larger prediction error led to more intrusions from interference videos during free recall, interpretation was complicated by the lack of a general reconsolidation effect between experimental and control groups. Prediction error also did not affect errors, or false memories. These findings provide important evidence that prediction error and spatial context are particularly important in reactivating memories for modification, specifically for memory updating and not false memories.
Degree Date
Fall 2022
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A.
Department
Psychology
Advisor
Professor Holly Bowen
Second Advisor
Professor Ernest Jouriles
Third Advisor
Professor David Rosenfield
Number of Pages
50
Format
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
Recommended Citation
Moon, Diane, "Testing the Role of Prediction Error in the Reconsolidation of Episodic Memories" (2022). Psychology Theses and Dissertations. 41.
https://scholar.smu.edu/hum_sci_psychology_etds/41
