Previous research has shown that a post-encoding rest period has similar effects on ongoing memory consolidation as executing a 2-back task, due to a suspected balance between interference...Show morePrevious research has shown that a post-encoding rest period has similar effects on ongoing memory consolidation as executing a 2-back task, due to a suspected balance between interference suppression (in 2-back) and spontaneous reactivation of memory traces (in rest). The current study investigates the relationship between post-encoding task difficulty, autobiographical thinking and episodic memory consolidation by improving methodological issues in previous work. Episodic memory consolidation in a 2-back condition is compared to a 0-back condition, while analyzing autobiographical thinking proportions. It is expected that autobiographical thinking negatively correlates with consolidation and that autobiographical thinking is higher in the 0-back condition, compared to 2-back. However, given the higher chance of spontaneous reactivation of memory traces in the 0-back condition, it is expected that both conditions show equal memory consolidation. In a within-subjects design, participants (N = 22) are shown face stimuli, which they later identify in a recognition test, after executing a 0-back or 2-back task. During these n-back tasks, thought probes are presented targeting autobiographical thinking (and other mindwandering instances). Results show no direct relationship between autobiographical thinking and memory consolidation, but previous studies are replicated by showing similar memory consolidation after performing the two n-back tasks. In conclusion, the results reinvigorate the idea of a post-encoding 2-back task resulting in similar consolidation outcomes as a less demanding post-encoding task. Moreover, the outcomes suggest that n-back task difficulty affects autobiographical thinking, but the direct effect of this process on memory consolidation requires further investigation, potentially in the form of a neuroimaging study.Show less
