States of curiosity modulate hippocampus-dependent learning via the dopaminergic circuit.

ABSTRACT: People find it easier to learn about topics that interest them, but little is known about the mechanisms by which intrinsic motivational states affect learning. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate how curiosity (intrinsic motivation to learn) influences memory. In both immediate and one-day-delayed memory tests, participants showed improved memory for information that they were curious about and for incidental material learned during states of high curiosity. Functional magnetic resonance imaging results revealed that activity in the midbrain and the nucleus accumbens was enhanced during states of high curiosity. Importantly, individual variability in curiosity-driven memory benefits for incidental material was supported by anticipatory activity in the midbrain and

SUBMITTER: Gruber MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4252494 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature