The objectives of this study include: 1) investigating the impact of negative memory substitution on an individual's other intellectual memories (i.e., neutral memories) and the underlying neurocognitive mechanisms; 2) investigating the memory enhancement effect resulting from retrieval practice associated with memory substitution intervention along with an examination of the neurocognitive mechanisms responsible for this enhancement.
This study will adopt two memory updating strategies: retrieval practice and reactivation. A 5-day memory updating experimental paradigm is used. 1. On the first day, the old memory A-B linkage is learned, where A represents a neutral word and B is either neutral or negative pictures (half of each, randomly scrambled). 2. On the second day, the old memory A-B association is consolidated again, and after a 15-minute break, the new memory A-C association is learned, where A is still the word A used in the old memory A-B association on the first day, and C is the new neutral and negative pictures (half of each, randomly scrambled, and with inconsistent categories of C and B in each pair of AC and AB). Immediately following this, the new memories of the A-C conjunctions are updated using both Retrieval practice and Restudy (control condition) memory strategies. 3. A-C is extracted/learned using both Retrieval practice and Restudy memory strategies on both day 3 and day 4. 4. On the fifth day, memory tests for associative memory strength, gist and detail memory, as well as emotional valence and strength are performed.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
60
Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation
Placebo Device that simulates active tACS treatment
Negative memory retention
The intervention could disrupt retention of associative negative memory and degree of detail of the negative memories in last A-C paired associate memory test.
Time frame: Day 5
The negative emotional intensity of negative memory
The negative memories emotional relief as assesses by the Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM) Measure Scales in last A-C paired associate memory test. This measure is constant retrieval practice of neutral memories (A-Cneu) will result in negative memories emotional relief (A-Bneg) compared to the restudy condition.
Time frame: Day 5
The retention of associated neutral memories as assesses by the proportions of responses of correctly choosing picture category of B picture (A-Bneu) in last A-B paired associate memory test
This measure is continuous rumination of negative memories (A-Cneg) will increase the strength of associated memories (A-Bneu).
Time frame: Day 5
The negative emotional intensity of neutral memory
The emotion-diffusing effects of negative memory rumination as assesses by negative emotional intensity of neutral memories (A-Bneu),which is meature by the Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM) Measure Scales. The negative emotional intensity of neutral memories are more negative with constant retrieval practice of negative memories (A-Cneg) that is the emotion-diffusing effects of negative memory rumination.
Time frame: Day 5
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