Functional underpinnings of feedback-enhanced test-potentiated encoding

The testing effect describes the finding that retrieval practice enhances memory performance compared to restudy practice. Prior evidence demonstrates that this effect can be boosted by providing feedback after retrieval attempts (i.e. test-potentiated encoding [TPE]). The present fMRI study investigated the neural processes during successful memory retrieval underlying this beneficial effect of correct answer feedback compared with restudy and whether additional performance feedback leads to further benefits. Twenty-seven participants learned cue-target pairs by (i) restudying, (ii) standard TPE including a restudy opportunity, or (iii) TPE including a restudy opportunity immediately after a positive or negative performance feedback. One day later, a cued retrieval recognition test was performed inside the MRI scanner. Behavioral results confirmed the testing effect and that adding explicit performance feedback-enhanced memory relative to restudy and standard TPE. Stronger functional engagement while retrieving items previously restudied was found in lateral prefrontal cortex and superior parietal lobe. By contrast, lateral temporo-parietal areas were more strongly recruited while retrieving items previously tested. Performance feedback increased the hippocampal activation and resulted in stronger functional coupling between hippocampus, supramarginal gyrus, and ventral striatum with lateral temporo-parietal cortex. Our results unveil the main functional dynamics and connectivity nodes underlying memory benefits from additional performance feedback.

Automated summary

This fMRI study examined the effects of correct answer feedback and learning methods on memory improvement. The results showed that memory performance can be enhanced through feedback. The prefrontal cortex and superior parietal lobe play important roles in retrieving previously restudied items, while the lateral temporo-parietal areas are more active when retrieving previously tested items. Performance feedback also increases hippocampal activation and strengthens functional connectivity between the hippocampus, supramarginal gyrus, ventral striatum, and lateral temporo-parietal cortex. The findings reveal the main functional dynamics and connectivity nodes underlying memory benefits from additional performance feedback.