loading page

Unexpected Twists: Electrophysiological Correlates of Encoding and Retrieval of Events eliciting Prediction Error
  • +2
  • Gözem Turan,
  • Veronika Spiertz,
  • Oded Bein,
  • Yee-Lee Shing,
  • Sophie Nolden
Gözem Turan
Goethe University Frankfurt

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile
Veronika Spiertz
Goethe University Frankfurt
Author Profile
Oded Bein
Princeton University Princeton Neuroscience Institute
Author Profile
Yee-Lee Shing
Goethe University Frankfurt
Author Profile
Sophie Nolden
Goethe University Frankfurt
Author Profile

Abstract

The human brain is postulated to function as a prediction machine, constantly comparing incoming sensory input to predictions based on past experiences. When an event contradicts these predictions, it results in a prediction error (PE), which has been shown to enhance subsequent memory. However, the neural mechanisms underlying the influence of PE on subsequent memory remain unclear. This study investigated the electrophysiological correlates during encoding and retrieval of events eliciting PE. We employed a statistical learning task in which participants were presented with pairs of objects in sequence. Subsequently, while recording electroencephalography (EEG), we introduced PE by replacing the second object of each pair with new objects and we then tested the participants’ memory. Behaviorally, PE did not enhance memory. During retrieval, we observed higher amplitudes of the posterior recollection component for violation items that were remembered compared to those that were forgotten. In contrast, no evidence for the presence of the frontal negative familiarity component was found. These results suggest that recollection, but not familiarity, plays a crucial role in the interplay between PE and memory. Contrary to our hypothesis, we did not observe a relationship between PE and the P3 component during encoding. In conclusion, our study contributes to the growing body of knowledge concerning the intricate relationship between PE and episodic memory. It sheds light on the underlying neural mechanisms involved and emphasizes the importance of recollection in this context.
12 Jun 2023Submitted to Psychophysiology
13 Jun 2023Submission Checks Completed
13 Jun 2023Assigned to Editor
13 Jun 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
02 Jul 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
07 Aug 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
24 Feb 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
24 Jun 20242nd Revision Received
27 Jun 2024Submission Checks Completed
27 Jun 2024Assigned to Editor
27 Jun 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
26 Sep 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor