Efficient memorization of dynamic stimuli with future interactions

Abstract

In nature, survival requires coping with complex time-changing situations in real time. In this process, memory plays a major role since the retrieval of critical information is key to rapid and reliable decision making. This work explores modulation of human memory under the hypothesis that in dynamic scenarios such critical information is encoded as a static map of future interactions. Specifically, the reported results show that dynamic visual stimuli that contain future interactions are better recalled than equivalent stimuli that do not. This is in line with the proposed hypothesis since the former type of stimulus would be encoded in a more simplified way than the latter. Moreover, dynamic stimuli with future interactions are better recalled than simpler dynamic stimuli, which reinforces that the former are processed by a static representation - their map of interactions. This cognitive strategy seems to be modulated by the complexity of the stimulus, since in simple situations differences in recall appear only in men, whereas when complexity increases, such differences do not show gender bias. Therefore, this work proposes an answer to how memory can help us reliably cope with dynamic situations, demonstrating that those critical for survival (such as fighting, chasing, fleeing, etc., which involve interactions) are better remembered, allowing more efficient learning and decision making, essential to deal with our complex and changing world.