The role of memory strength for processes of sleep-associated memory consolidation

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While recent findings demonstrate that processes of sleep-associated memory consolidation can stabilize memories, it is unclear whether such consolidation varies with one of the most basic features of memory representations, i.e., memories’ initial strength. The aim of this project is to fill this empirical gap by examining the role of memory strength for memory consolidation, behaviorally and neuroscientifically. Across 13 experiments, memory strength will be manipulated using intentional and incidental encoding procedures; intentional manipulations of strength will be examined in the paired associate task and the list learning task and will be implemented by study-induced and retrieval-induced strengthening; incidental manipulations of strength will be investigated in the list learning task by using different orienting tasks. Behaviorally, effects of memory consolidation will be measured via investigations of time-dependent forgetting and memories’ interference susceptibility. Neuronally, electroencephalography (EEG) will be used to study how manipulations of encoding strength change the neural correlates of initial memory formation and change retrieval processing right after encoding as well as following 12 hours of sleep or wakefulness. In addition, sleep EEG will be employed to examine sleep mechanisms believed to be directly involved in the reactivation and restructuring of newly formed memories. The results will provide a first overall picture on the role of memory strength for sleep-associated memory consolidation.