Targeted Memory Reactivation Increases Memory Recall: A Meta-analysis

Abstract

Research on Targeted Memory Reactivation (TMR) shows that its a successful for increasing memory recall. However, As of yet no systematic study had been conducted to evaluate to what extend TMR can increase recall. This study used a comprehensive literature search to attempt to find all studies conducted in which TMR is used to increase memory recall. Methodological quality, study characteristics and where possible descriptive statistics were extracted from the studies. In total, 41 studies were identified, 26 of which included enough descriptive data to be included in the meta-analysis. The results indicated that the average methodological quality was good. Furthermore, TMR significantly increased memory recall. The subgroup analysis for modality was not significant, while the subgroup analysis for type of memory did yield a significant result. Overall, TMR seems to have small to medium effect on memory recall, is independent of modality and depends on memory.