Long-term memory interference is resolved via repulsion and precision along diagnostic memory dimensions.

ABSTRACT: When memories share similar features, this can lead to interference, and ultimately forgetting. With experience, however, interference can be resolved. This raises the important question of how memories change, with experience, to minimize interference. Intuitively, interference might be minimized by increasing the precision and accuracy of memories. However, recent evidence suggests a potentially adaptive role for memory distortions. Namely, similarity can trigger exaggerations of subtle differences between memories (repulsion). Here, we tested whether repulsion specifically occurs on feature dimensions along which memories compete and whether repulsion is predictive of reduced memory interference. To test these ideas, we developed synthetic faces in a two-dimensional face space (affect a

SUBMITTER: Drascher ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9568473 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature