Leiden University Student Repository

Poli, Grace (2024)

The Role of Mind Wandering in Memory Consolidation

Bachelor thesis | Psychologie (BSc)

‬ ‭ How we remember and what helps us remember is a key component in everyday function.‬ Understanding the process of how memory is retained aids in investigating what is beneficial‬ and what hinders learning processes. This study investigates the beneficial effect of‬ mind-wandering (MW) on memory consolidation, aiming to replicate findings from Seli et al.‬ (2013) and inspiration from Varma’s (2019) experimental procedure. Utilising a sample of 34‬ participants, the research employed a 4-block procedure: an auditory memory task which‬ included the presentation of a wordlist and a memory recall test, followed by a metronome‬ response task (MRT), and finally a surprise auditory memory recall. The MRT was‬ implemented to quantify behavioural variability using the variable rhythmic response time‬ variability (RRTv). The study hypothesised that MW would enhance memory consolidation‬ and improve participant memory recall. The results supported our hypothesis of replicating‬ ‭ Seli et al...Show more‬ ‭ How we remember and what helps us remember is a key component in everyday function.‬ Understanding the process of how memory is retained aids in investigating what is beneficial‬ and what hinders learning processes. This study investigates the beneficial effect of‬ mind-wandering (MW) on memory consolidation, aiming to replicate findings from Seli et al.‬ (2013) and inspiration from Varma’s (2019) experimental procedure. Utilising a sample of 34‬ participants, the research employed a 4-block procedure: an auditory memory task which‬ included the presentation of a wordlist and a memory recall test, followed by a metronome‬ response task (MRT), and finally a surprise auditory memory recall. The MRT was‬ implemented to quantify behavioural variability using the variable rhythmic response time‬ variability (RRTv). The study hypothesised that MW would enhance memory consolidation‬ and improve participant memory recall. The results supported our hypothesis of replicating‬ ‭ Seli et al.'s (2013) findings on RRTv being a reliable proxy of MW as well as demonstrating‬ a positive significant relationship between behavioural variability and memory score. These‬ findings highlight the nuanced relationship between mental activities and their influence on‬ memory processes, suggesting potential strategies for improving memory retention by‬ managing MW tendencies. Proving further the reliability of RRTv as a measure of MW also‬ opens new opportunities for researchers to extend what MW comprises.‬Show less

mind-wander, memory consolidation, metronome‬‭ response task, thought probe,‬ ‭ rhythmic response time (variability), behavioural variability‬

Author

Poli, Grace

Faculty

Faculty of Social & Behavioural Sciences

Specialisation

Cognitive Psychology

Supervisors

Samarth Varma

ECTS Credits

15

Language

en