Set 6 - Reconsolidation Experiments

Memory reconsolidation theory

Retrieval may make an established memory temporarily labile and require restabilization.

Memory reactivation

Re-exposure to a reminder cue retrieves an existing memory trace.

Labile memory state

Temporary period after some retrieval events when a trace can be modified or disrupted.

Reconsolidation vs extinction: key distinction

Reconsolidation changes a reactivated trace; extinction learns that a cue no longer predicts harm.

Fear conditioning

Pair a neutral cue with shock until the cue alone elicits a fear response.

Conditioned stimulus (CS+)

Previously neutral cue paired with an aversive unconditioned stimulus.

Unconditioned stimulus (US)

An aversive event such as a shock that naturally elicits defensive responses.

Skin conductance response (SCR)

Sweat-related electrical skin response used as an index of physiological arousal/fear.

Freezing behavior

Reduced movement used as a conditioned fear measure in rodents.

Anisomycin

Protein-synthesis inhibitor used in the lecture to disrupt memory after reactivation.

Rodent reconsolidation experiment — design

Condition tone–shock fear; reactivate with tone; administer inhibitor; test freezing later.

Rodent reconsolidation experiment — result

Fear responding decreased after reminder plus inhibitor, supporting post-reactivation vulnerability.

No-reactivation control

Give the intervention without a reminder to test whether retrieval is required for memory weakening.

Propranolol

Beta-adrenergic blocker tested for interference with noradrenergic fear-memory processes.

Propranolol study — design

Condition cue–shock associations; give drug or placebo during later retrieval/extinction; test fear later.

Propranolol study — finding

Drug-associated retrieval altered later fear-related responses or remembered shock details in the lecture task.

ECT

Electroconvulsive therapy; induced generalized seizure activity can affect memory around treatment.

ECT reconsolidation experiment — design

Learn two emotional stories; reactivate one; compare ECT/immediate test, ECT/delayed test, and no ECT.

ECT reconsolidation experiment — finding

Delayed memory was selectively weaker for the reactivated story after ECT; immediate impairment was not selective.

Reconsolidation experiment: strongest inference

An intervention weakens later memory especially when paired with reactivation and proper controls.