The impact of reward anticipation on the accuracy, confidence and  precision of long-term memory, and how quality of sleep plays a role

Memory is complex and poorly understood. In this study we aim to measure the effects of arousal on long term memory using an established positional response paradigm often used in short-term memory research. Using this paradigm, the relationship between arousal and the accuracy, confidence and precision of long-term memory was tested. The effect of sleep quality on the successful recall and precision of long-term memory was also tested. Sleep quality was measured using the Sleep Quality Scale (SQS). We introduced a state of arousal by promising a reward for correctly categorizing man-made or natural stimuli. Participants were shown these stimuli on the first day and given a surprise test after 24-hours. Performance was measured using the positional response paradigm. Afterwards they filled in the SQS with additional questions. Arousal was expected to increase the accuracy, confidence and precision of the recall of the stimuli in the rewarded condition. SQS scores were expected to...Show moreMemory is complex and poorly understood. In this study we aim to measure the effects of arousal on long term memory using an established positional response paradigm often used in short-term memory research. Using this paradigm, the relationship between arousal and the accuracy, confidence and precision of long-term memory was tested. The effect of sleep quality on the successful recall and precision of long-term memory was also tested. Sleep quality was measured using the Sleep Quality Scale (SQS). We introduced a state of arousal by promising a reward for correctly categorizing man-made or natural stimuli. Participants were shown these stimuli on the first day and given a surprise test after 24-hours. Performance was measured using the positional response paradigm. Afterwards they filled in the SQS with additional questions. Arousal was expected to increase the accuracy, confidence and precision of the recall of the stimuli in the rewarded condition. SQS scores were expected to correlate negatively with precision and accuracy. We found a significant effect of arousal on confidence and accuracy. There was no effect of arousal on the precision of long-term memory. This is likely due to the design of the experiment, as well as the small sample size. There was no significant effect of SQS scores on accuracy or precision, although trends were observed that support the original hypothesis. The results support the theory that arousal increases accuracy and confidence of long-term memory. Further research is needed to determine how arousal affects the precision of long-term memory.Show less

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The impact of reward anticipation on the accuracy, confidence and precision of long-term memory, and how quality of sleep plays a role