Motivated learning influences strategic retrieval processing - an ERP and behavioral approach

Abstract

Reward anticipation during learning is known to support memory formation but its role on processes engaged at the time of retrieval is so far unclear. Retrieval orientations, as a reflection of strategic or controlled retrieval processing, are one aspect of retrieval that might be modulated by reward. These processes can be measured using event-related potentials (ERPs) elicited by retrieval cues from tasks with different retrieval requirements, such as changes in the class of targeted memory information. To determine whether retrieval orientations of this kind are modulated by reward during learning, the effect of high and low reward expectancy on ERP correlates of retrieval orientation was investigated in two separate experiments. In Experiment 1 reward manipulation at study was associated with later memory performance, whereas in Experiment 2, reward was directly linked to accuracy in a study task. In both studies, participants performed a recognition memory exclusion task 24 hours later. In addition to a previously reported material-specific effect of retrieval orientation, a frontally distributed, reward-associated retrieval orientation effect was found in both experiments. These findings were interpreted as indicating that reward motivation during learning leads to the adoption of a reward-associated retrieval orientation to support the retrieval of highly motivational information. Thus, ERP retrieval orientation effects not only reflect retrieval processes related to the sought-for materials but also relate to the reward conditions with which items were combined during encoding. In Experiments 3a-d, effects of positive (potential gain of money) and negative incentives (potential loss of money) during learning on later memory performance were behaviorally investigated in a cross-cultural context with a similar experimental design as used in Experiment 1. Independent of participants’ origin (China or Germany), memory performance was better when the positive or negative incentive to memorize an item was high. However, a cross-cultural effect was found in the experiments that used negative incentives during learning. The magnitude of the differences in memory accuracy for items previously studied in apprehension of potential high loss of money compared to low loss was significantly higher in Chinese than in German participants. This effect might reflect that Chinese participants were more sensitive to the pending loss of money than German participants. The findings reported here provide new insights into how strategic retrieval processes and accurate memory judgments are affected by motivated learning and into how cross-cultural influences might act on these.