TRACKING EPISODIC AND SCHEMATIC COMPONENTS OF NEURAL REPRESENTATIONS IN MEMORY

Human memory relies on rapid encoding of episode-specific details and gradual formation of generalized schematic knowledge. Schemata shape episodic memories by facilitating memory formation; however, they can also induce schema-consistent distortions. This raises the question of when schematic activation is beneficial during encoding and retrieval, and how the interaction between these memory systems is coordinated at the fast timescale of neural processing. We developed an experimental paradigm that combines naturalistic video-stimuli with magnetoencephalography (MEG) to investigate the temporal dynamics of these interactions. Participants encoded and retrieved 180 videos pertaining to six different schemata. Behavioral results showed robust memory performance. Oscillatory power decreases in the alpha and beta band underpinned successful retrieval. Using a novel multivariate analysis technique, we dissociate episode-specific neural components from shared schematic representations, enabling tracking of their activation during memory formation and retrieval. This will provide insight into how complementary memory systems interact during naturalistic cognition.