Retrieval as a Fast Route to Memory Consolidation

James W Antony; Catarina S Ferreira; Kenneth A Norman; Maria Wimber

doi:10.1016/j.tics.2017.05.001

Retrieval as a Fast Route to Memory Consolidation

Trends Cogn Sci. 2017 Aug;21(8):573-576. doi: 10.1016/j.tics.2017.05.001. Epub 2017 Jun 2.

Authors

James W Antony¹, Catarina S Ferreira², Kenneth A Norman³, Maria Wimber⁴

Affiliations

¹ Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA. Electronic address: jantony@princeton.edu.
² School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
³ Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
⁴ School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK. Electronic address: m.wimber@bham.ac.uk.

Abstract

Retrieval-mediated learning is a powerful way to make memories last, but its neurocognitive mechanisms remain unclear. We propose that retrieval acts as a rapid consolidation event, supporting the creation of adaptive hippocampal-neocortical representations via the 'online' reactivation of associative information. We describe parallels between online retrieval and offline consolidation and offer testable predictions for future research.

Keywords: consolidation; episodic memory; long-term memory; reactivation; replay; retrieval-mediated learning; sleep; testing effect.

MeSH terms

Hippocampus / physiology*
Humans
Learning*
Memory / physiology*
Memory Consolidation*
Sleep

Grants and funding

R01 MH069456/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States