Abstract The connection between hippocampus-dependent learning and the novelty of a previously experienced environment has been investigated through animal research for a longer time. In rodents,...Show moreAbstract The connection between hippocampus-dependent learning and the novelty of a previously experienced environment has been investigated through animal research for a longer time. In rodents, it was found that they showed theta band power while encoding memories, during the initiation of explorative movements. But there has been a scarcity of research looking at these connections in humans. This study aims to investigate the associations between memory types (landmark memory, as well as recall and recognition on an unrelated word learning task) and familiarity of the environment as well as theta bands in the brain. Thirteen men and women took part in this three-day EEG study. On the first day, participant first explored one environment during the exploration phase and later explored another time an environment that was either the same as before (familiar) or a new (novel) environment. On day two, they were then exposed to a new environment (novel condition), if they have seen two times the same environment on day 1, or to an environment that they have already seen on day 1(familiar condition) if they saw two different environments on day 1. On both days they had to complete a landmark memory, recall, and recognition task. On days two and three the participants did a delayed recall and recognition task. The EEG was used during all tasks on days one and two. The results showed that landmark memory was not affected by the novelty of the environment (p = .812). Word recall was also not affected by the novelty of the environment (p = .400), and neither was recognition (p = .227). There was more theta band power during the novel environment exploration than during the familiar environment measured (p < .001). Theta bands were not correlated with recall (p = .783) or landmark memory (p = .231). This study had a small sample, no cultural diversity, and a strict theta band inclusion criterion. Because of that, the results should be interpreted with caution and further studies should include a bigger sample, with different cultures, and perhaps a wider theta frequency spectrum. This study could help closing the gap between animal and human research, as well as create tools to assist people with learning difficulties.Show less