scholarly journals Creative people use memory differently: Divergent thinking modulates how episodic memory is combined with semantic knowledge

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle M. Ramey ◽  
Darya Zabelina
Keyword(s):  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Divergent Thinking ◽  
Memory Function ◽  
Memory Task ◽  
Semantic Knowledge ◽  
Spatial Accuracy ◽  
Creative People ◽  
Memory Processes ◽  
Thinking Ability ◽  
Unconscious Memory

The ability to generate novel ideas, known as divergent thinking, is dependent on both semantic knowledge and episodic memory. Semantic knowledge and episodic memory are known to interact to support memory decisions, but it is not known how they may interact to support divergent thinking. We addressed this question by examining whether divergent thinking ability moderates interactions between semantic knowledge and different episodic memory processes in a spatial memory task. Participants completed the Alternative Uses Test to assess divergent thinking ability, then completed a memory task in which they searched for target objects that were either placed in semantically expected or semantically unexpected locations within scenes. In a subsequent test, participants indicated where in each scene the target object had been located previously (i.e., spatial accuracy test), then provided confidence-based recognition memory judgments that indexed distinct episodic memory processes (i.e., recollection, familiarity strength, and unconscious memory) for the scenes. We found that higher divergent thinking ability predicted 1) an increased benefit from putatively hippocampus-based episodic memory (i.e., recollection and unconscious memory) on spatial accuracy overall, and 2) beneficial differences in how semantic knowledge was combined with recollection and unconscious memory to influence spatial accuracy. In contrast, there were no effects of divergent thinking with respect to non-hippocampal memory (i.e., familiarity). These findings indicate that semantic knowledge and episodic memory function differently in highly divergent thinkers. In particular, these results suggest that divergent thinking is supported by the ability to flexibly combine semantic knowledge with episodic memory, particularly hippocampus-based memory.

scholarly journals The effects of acute exercise on episodic memory function among young university students: moderation considerations by biological sex

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren Johnson ◽  
Paul D. Loprinzi
Keyword(s):  
Episodic Memory ◽  
University Students ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Acute Exercise ◽  
Memory Function ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Memory Task ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Term Memory ◽  
Main Effect

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate potential sex-specific differences on episodic memory function and determine whether sex moderates the effects of acute exercise on episodic memory.Methods: A randomized controlled intervention was employed. This experiment was conducted among young University students (mean age = 21 years). Both males (n=20) and females (n=20)completed two counterbalanced laboratory visits, with one visit involving a 15-minute bout of moderate-intensity exercise prior to the memory task. The control visit engaged in a time matched seated task. Memory function (including short-term memory, learning, and long-term memory) was assessed from the RAVLT (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test).Results: We observed a significant main effect for time (P<0.001, ƞ2p= 0.77) and a marginally significant main effect for sex (P=0.06, ƞ2p= 0.09), but no time by sex by condition interaction(P=0.91, ƞ2p= 0.01). We also observed some suggestive evidence of a more beneficial effect of acute exercise on memory for females. Conclusion: In conclusion, females outperformed males in verbal memory function. Additional research is needed to further evaluate whether sex moderates the effects of acute exercise on memory function.

scholarly journals Episodic memory: insights from semantic dementia

2001 ◽  
Vol 356 (1413) ◽  
pp. 1423-1434 ◽  
Author(s):  
John R. Hodges ◽  
Kim S. Graham
Keyword(s):  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Semantic Knowledge ◽  
Step Function ◽  
Semantic Dementia ◽  
Learning Performance ◽  
Long Term Memory ◽  
Term Memory ◽  
Source Discrimination ◽  
Memory Processes

Semantic dementia, also known as the temporal lobe variant of fronto– temporal dementia, results in a progressive yet relatively pure loss of semantic knowledge about words, objects and people, and is associated with asymmetric, focal atrophy of the antero–lateral temporal lobes. Semantic dementia provides a unique opportunity to study the organization of long–term memory particularly since initial observations suggested sparing of episodic memory. Recent studies reveal, however, a more complex but theoretically revealing pattern. On tests of autobiographical memory, patients with semantic dementia show a ‘reverse step function’ with sparing of recall of events from the most recent 2 to 5 years but impairment on more distant life periods. Anterograde recognition memory for visual materials is extremely well preserved, except in the most deteriorated cases, although performance is heavily reliant upon perceptual information about the studied stimuli, particularly for items that are no longer known by the subjects. On tests of verbal anterograde memory such as word learning, performance is typically poor even for words which are ‘known’ to the patients. A source discrimination experiment, designed to evaluate familiarity and recollection–based anterograde memory processes, found that patients with semantic dementia showed good item detection, although recollection of source was sometimes impaired. Semantic knowledge about studied items and measures of item detection and source discrimination were largely independent. The implications of these findings for models of long–term memory are discussed. The results support the concept that episodic memory, or at least the recall of temporally specific autobiographical experiences, draws upon a number of separable memory processes, some of which can function independently of semantic knowledge.

scholarly journals Maintained Frontal Activity Underlies High Memory Function Over 8 Years in Aging

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (7) ◽  
pp. 3111-3123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Didac Vidal-Piñeiro ◽  
Markus H Sneve ◽  
Lars H Nyberg ◽  
Athanasia M Mowinckel ◽  
Donatas Sederevicius ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Memory Function ◽  
Memory Task ◽  
Cortical Atrophy ◽  
High Performing ◽  
Adult Participants ◽  
Memory Experiment ◽  
Frontal Activity

AbstractAging is characterized by substantial average decline in memory performance. Yet contradictory explanations have been given for how the brains of high-performing older adults work: either by engagement of compensatory processes such as recruitment of additional networks or by maintaining young adults’ patterns of activity. Distinguishing these components requires large experimental samples and longitudinal follow-up. Here, we investigate which features are key to high memory in aging, directly testing these hypotheses by studying a large sample of adult participants (n > 300) with fMRI during an episodic memory experiment where item-context relationships were implicitly encoded. The analyses revealed that low levels of activity in frontal networks—known to be involved in memory encoding—were associated with low memory performance in the older adults only. Importantly, older participants with low memory performance and low frontal activity exhibited a strong longitudinal memory decline in an independent verbal episodic memory task spanning 8 years back (n = 52). These participants were also characterized by lower hippocampal volumes and steeper rates of cortical atrophy. Altogether, maintenance of frontal brain function during encoding seems to be a primary characteristic of preservation of memory function in aging, likely reflecting intact ability to integrate information.

scholarly journals No Effect of Anodal tDCS on Verbal Episodic Memory Performance and Neurotransmitter Levels in Young and Elderly Participants

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Annegret Habich ◽  
Johannes Slotboom ◽  
Jessica Peter ◽  
Roland Wiest ◽  
Stefan Klöppel
Keyword(s):  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Memory Task ◽  
Resonance Spectroscopy ◽  
Cortical Region ◽  
Anodal Tdcs ◽  
Memory Processes ◽  
Baseline Performance ◽  
Left Dlpfc ◽  
Neurophysiological Mechanisms ◽  
Verbal Episodic Memory

Healthy ageing is accompanied by cognitive decline that affects episodic memory processes in particular. Studies showed that anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) may counteract this cognitive deterioration by increasing excitability and inducing neuroplasticity in the targeted cortical region. While stimulation gains are more consistent in initial low performers, relying solely on behavioural measures to predict treatment benefits does not suffice for a reliable implementation of this method as a therapeutic option. Hence, an exploration of the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms regarding the differential stimulation effect is warranted. Glutamatergic metabolites (Glx) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are involved in learning and memory processes and can be influenced with tDCS; wherefore, they present themselves as potential biomarkers for tDCS-induced behavioural gains, which are affiliated with neuroplasticity processes. In the present randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, crossover study, 33 healthy young and 22 elderly participants received anodal tDCS to their left DLPFC during the encoding phase of a verbal episodic memory task. Using MEGA-PRESS edited magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), Glx and GABA levels were measured in the left DLPFC before and after the stimulation period. Further, we tested whether baseline performance and neurotransmitter levels predicted subsequent gains. No beneficial group effects of tDCS emerged in either verbal retrieval performances or neurotransmitter concentrations. Moreover, baseline performance levels did not predict stimulation-induced cognitive gains, nor did Glx or GABA levels. Nevertheless, exploratory analyses suggested a predictive value of the Glx : GABA ratio, with lower ratios at baseline indicating greater tDCS-related gains in delayed recall performance. This highlights the importance of further studies investigating neurophysiological mechanisms underlying previously observed stimulation-induced cognitive benefits and their respective interindividual heterogeneity.

scholarly journals The role of the thalamus and hippocampus in episodic memory performance in patients with multiple sclerosis

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 574-584 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine A Koenig ◽  
Stephen M Rao ◽  
Mark J Lowe ◽  
Jian Lin ◽  
Ken E Sakaie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Recall Performance ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Memory Function ◽  
Memory Task ◽  
Memory Loss ◽  
Lesion Load ◽  
Visual Spatial ◽  
Volumetric Measures

Background: Episodic memory loss is one of the most common cognitive symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), but the pathophysiology of this symptom remains unclear. Both the hippocampus and thalamus have been implicated in episodic memory and show regional atrophy in patients with MS. Objective: In this work, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during a verbal episodic memory task, lesion load, and volumetric measures of the hippocampus and thalamus to assess the relative contributions to verbal and visual–spatial episodic memory. Methods: Functional activation, lesion load, and volumetric measures from 32 patients with MS and 16 healthy controls were used in a predictive analysis of episodic memory function. Results: After adjusting for disease duration, immediate recall performance on a visual–spatial episodic memory task was significantly predicted by hippocampal volume ( p < 0.003). Delayed recall on the same task was significantly predicted by volume of the left thalamus ( p < 0.003). For both memory measures, functional activation of the thalamus during encoding was more predictive than that of volume measures ( p < 0.002). Conclusion: Our results suggest that functional activation may be useful as a predictive measure of episodic memory loss in patients with MS.

scholarly journals Exercise and Episodic Specificity Induction on Episodic Memory Function

Medicina ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (8) ◽  
pp. 422
Author(s):  
Loprinzi ◽  
McRaney ◽  
Luca ◽  
McDonald
Keyword(s):  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Acute Exercise ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Memory Function ◽  
Memory Task ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
Acute Bout ◽  
Short Video ◽  
Two Parameters ◽  
Main Effects

Background and objectives: Episodic specific induction (ESI) is a manipulation shown to enhance episodic memory function. Episodic specificity induction involves thoroughly unpacking a recently encoded memory, with this enhanced retrieval-induced process helping to facilitate subsequent cognitions. In addition to ESI, emerging work suggests that acute exercise may also help to facilitate episodic memory function. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential individual and combined effects of acute exercise and ESI on subsequent episodic memory performance. Materials and Methods: Participants (n = 120) were randomly assigned into one of four groups, (1) ESI and exercise (ESI + E), (2) ESI only (ESI), (3) exercise only (E), and (4) no ESI and no exercise (Control; C). The ESI protocol involved watching a short video and then recalling details about the setting, people, and actions in the video. The exercise protocol involved an acute bout (15 min) of treadmill exercise. After these tasks, episodic memory function was evaluated with an autobiographical interview assessment and a computerized episodic memory task involving what–where–when integration. Results: We did not observe significant main effects for exercise or ESI on memory function but did observe some suggestive evidence of an interaction effect of these two parameters on episodic memory. That is, for the exercise group, memory performance was higher when combined with ESI as opposed to without ESI. Conclusions: Acute exercise and ESI may interact to influence episodic memory function.

Acute Exercise, Psychological Stress Induction, and Episodic Memory

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (6) ◽  
pp. 1016-1029
Author(s):  
Paul D. Loprinzi ◽  
Lauren Koehler ◽  
Emily Frith ◽  
Pamela Ponce ◽  
Dylan Delancey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Psychological Stress ◽  
Acute Exercise ◽  
Memory Function ◽  
Memory Task ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Memory Encoding ◽  
Moderate Intensity Exercise ◽  
Stress Induction ◽  
Stressful Environment

Objective: In this study, we evaluated whether exercise prior to memory encoding or during memory consolidation can influence episodic memory function after being exposed to a stressful environment. Methods: We conducted 3 between-group randomized controlled experiments among young adults. We assessed episodic memory (via logic memory task) at the beginning of the experiment and approximately 45 minutes later. Across the 3 experiments, we varied the temporal period (eg, before memory encoding or during consolidation) of the acute bout of exercise (15-minute moderate-intensity exercise) and psychological stress induction. Results: Across all 3 experiments there was a statistically significant main effect for time for memory function, but there were no time x group interaction effects. Conclusion: Memory declined across the 2 assessment periods, but for all 3 experiments, exercise was not associated with memory function after being exposed to a stressful stimulus.

scholarly journals Episodic memory processes modulate how schema knowledge is used in spatial memory decisions

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Marie Ramey ◽  
John M. Henderson ◽  
Andrew Yonelinas
Keyword(s):  
Recognition Memory ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Spatial Memory ◽  
Target Location ◽  
Location Information ◽  
Precise Information ◽  
Memory Processes ◽  
Online Study ◽  
Subsequent Test ◽  
Unconscious Memory

Schema knowledge can dramatically affect how we encode and retrieve memories. Current models propose that schema information is combined with episodic memory at retrieval to influence memory decisions, but it is not known how the strength or type of episodic memory (i.e., unconscious memory versus familiarity versus recollection) influences the extent to which schema information is incorporated into memory decisions. To address this question, we had participants search for target objects in semantically expected (i.e., congruent) locations or in unusual (i.e., incongruent) locations within scenes. In a subsequent test, participants indicated where in each scene the target had been located previously, then provided confidence-based recognition memory judgments that indexed recollection, familiarity strength, and unconscious memory for the scenes. In both an initial online study (n=133) and replication (n=59), target location recall was more accurate for schema-congruent than incongruent locations, but importantly, this effect was strongest for unconscious memory, decreased with familiarity strength, and was eliminated entirely for recollected scenes. Moreover, when participants recollected an incongruent scene but did not correctly remember the target location, they were still biased away from congruent regions—suggesting that detrimental schema bias was suppressed in the presence of recollection even when precise target location information was not remembered. The results indicate that episodic memory modulates how schemas are used: Schema knowledge contributes to spatial memory judgments primarily when episodic memory fails to provide precise information, and recollection can override schema bias completely.

Impact of Comorbid Depression on Serial Position Effects in Alzheimer’s Disease

GeroPsych ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 161-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nienke A. Hofrichter ◽  
Sandra Dick ◽  
Thomas G. Riemer ◽  
Carsten Schleussner ◽  
Monique Goerke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Serial Position ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Memory Function ◽  
Word List ◽  
Position Effects ◽  
Serial Position Effects ◽  
List Memory

Hippocampal dysfunction and deficits in episodic memory have been reported for both Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Primacy performance has been associated with hippocampus-dependent episodic memory, while recency may reflect working memory performance. In this study, serial position profiles were examined in a total of 73 patients with MDD, AD, both AD and MDD, and healthy controls (HC) by means of CERAD-NP word list memory. Primacy performance was most impaired in AD with comorbid MDD, followed by AD, MDD, and HC. Recency performance, on the other hand, was comparable across groups. These findings indicate that primacy in AD is impaired in the presence of comorbid MDD, suggesting additive performance decrements in this specific episodic memory function.

The Importance of Knowledge Transfer to Industry

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Emília Madudová ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Divergent Thinking ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Creative Industry ◽  
Specific Knowledge ◽  
Creative People ◽  
Industry Needs ◽  
Firm Owners

The paper examines the specific knowledge universities transfer to industry, reflecting to creative industry needs. As results shows, the most asked alumni competences should be tacit knowledge and divergent thinking. Divergent thinking influence the creativity. Creativity is often defined as the ability to develop new and useful ideas, but in deep literature review, we can see few irregularities and different definitions of creativity. The paper also evaluates the importance of creativity from business environment point of view and from the creative industry perspective and creative firm owners. As point of view. Another key finding is, that to educate creative people will be one of the key competitive advantage, because mainly the ability to create and disseminate knowledge is often at the heart of the organization's competitive advantage not only in creative industry, but in transport industry as well.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document