Project P2
Modeling the functional role of episodic memory in spatial learning
Memory retains information that is currently not available in the environment, but memory is not a purpose in itself for a living being. The stored information confer an evolutionary benefit on the organism. The function of memory in general, and episodic memory (EM) in particular, has received far less attention than the properties the memory processes and their underlying neural mechanisms. In this subproject, we focus on directive functions, which refers to cases where the retrieved memory is used to solve a practical problem. In the first funding period, we adopted reinforcement learning for modeling the functional role of EM in spatial learning. We considered three learning paradigms: 1. EM is retrieved to learn from single experiences (one-shot learning), 2. EM is replayed to facilitate learning of statistical regularities (replay learning), and 3. learning occurs online as experiences occur, but does not have access to past experiences (online learning). We found that whether an agent is able to solve a task by relying on the three learning paradigms depends differently on the number of learning trials and the complexity of the task. EM can confer a major benefit on spatial learning, but does not always do so, and its effect differs for the two modes of accessing episodic information. One-shot learning is initially faster than replay learning, but the latter reaches a better asymptotic performance. In the second funding period, we will build on this approach, incorporating more cognitive processes associated with EM and extending it to study memory encoding and consolidation. First, by separating image processing from the reinforcement learning component, we will study how the representational format of the inputs influences learning. In addition, we will integrate a model of semantic completion to study the functional role of the generativity of EM. Second, we will test our hypothesis that attentional selection of the most informative parts of the input speeds up learning and makes behavior more robust. We will also study how attentional selection of different representational formats might make learning more flexible. Third, we will use replay prioritization to generate a variety of replay types reported in the literature to study how replay might be optimized for different task demands. Fourth, we will investigate the functional implications of EM updating. We expect that, in a changing environment, it is beneficial to increase the impact of recent memories relative to more remote memories, which gives rise to memory updating. In summary, our research will advance our understanding of the function of EM, i.e., how it drives behavior. This is an important step towards elucidating the nature of EM.
Principal Investigator
Members
Former Members
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Distinct mechanisms and functions of episodic memory
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Analysis of a Generative Model of Episodic Memory Based on Hierarchical VQ-VAE and Transformer
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A neural network model for online one-shot storage of pattern sequences
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Learning to predict future locations with internally generated theta sequences
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A model of hippocampal replay driven by experience and environmental structure facilitates spatial learning
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Solidity Meets Surprise: Cerebral and Behavioral Effects of Learning from Episodic Prediction Errors
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CoBeL-RL: A neuroscience-oriented simulation framework for complex behavior and learning
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Modeling the function of episodic memory in spatial learning
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Where was the toaster? A systematic investigation of semantic construction in a new virtual episodic memory paradigm
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A Model of Semantic Completion in Generative Episodic Memory
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What Happened When? Cerebral Processing of Modified Structure and Content in Episodic Cueing
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Seeing What I Did (Not): Cerebral and Behavioral Effects of Agency and Perspective on Episodic Memory Re-activation
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Neuronal sequences during theta rely on behavior-dependent spatial maps
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Self-referential false associations: A self-enhanced constructive effect for verbal but not pictorial stimuli
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Improving sensory representations using episodic memory
2024
2023
2022
2021
2019
The research unit FOR 2812 "Constructing scenarios of the past: A new framework in episodic memory" is a project funded by the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG). The research unit studies the cognitive and neuronal mechanisms underlying scenario construction in episodic memory. We employ and integrate approaches from Philosophy, Psychology, and Experimental and Computational Neuroscience.
Universitätsstr. 150,
44801 Bochum, Germany
Tel: +49 (0)234 32 27996
Fax: +49 (0)234 32 14210