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Retroactive and graded prioritization of memory by reward

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  • Erin Kendall Braun

    (Columbia University)

  • G. Elliott Wimmer

    (University College London)

  • Daphna Shohamy

    (Columbia University
    Columbia University)

Abstract

Many decisions are based on an internal model of the world. Yet, how such a model is constructed from experience and represented in memory remains unknown. We test the hypothesis that reward shapes memory for sequences of events by retroactively prioritizing memory for objects as a function of their distance from reward. Human participants encountered neutral objects while exploring a series of mazes for reward. Across six data sets, we find that reward systematically modulates memory for neutral objects, retroactively prioritizing memory for objects closest to the reward. This effect of reward on memory emerges only after a 24-hour delay and is stronger for mazes followed by a longer rest interval, suggesting a role for post-reward replay and overnight consolidation, as predicted by neurobiological data in animals. These findings demonstrate that reward retroactively prioritizes memory along a sequential gradient, consistent with the role of memory in supporting adaptive decision-making.

Suggested Citation

  • Erin Kendall Braun & G. Elliott Wimmer & Daphna Shohamy, 2018. "Retroactive and graded prioritization of memory by reward," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 9(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:9:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-018-07280-0
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07280-0
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    Cited by:

    1. Marta Huelin Gorriz & Masahiro Takigawa & Daniel Bendor, 2023. "The role of experience in prioritizing hippocampal replay," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-15, December.

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