Neural evidence for the effect of prior knowledge on memory and learning: an EEG study

Research indicates that pre-existing knowledge structures, or schemas, enhance the encoding of new, relevant information by providing a framework for organizing those memories (Alonso et al., 2020; van Kesteren 2012). Animal studies have shown that newly learnt schema-consistent information undergoes rapid consolidation, with both the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex involved in this parallel encoding (Tse et al., 2007). It remains unclear whether this pattern of consolidation is also present in humans. To address this question, this study will combine a translational human spatial navigation paradigm with electroencephalography (EEG) to ascertain the neural correlates associated with schema consistent learning and memory. Across three sessions, a novel computerised spatial navigation task will be administered to younger (18-35) and older (> 60) adult participants, in which they will navigate a virtual shopping mall across various trials in search of specific items (e.g., a handbag), whilst EEG recordings are obtained. Consistency between items and location will be counterbalanced between subject (consistent versus inconsistent learning), to explore how age and schema formation can influence memory and new learning processes in humans across the lifespan. The role that brain oscillations, particularly theta (4-7 Hz) and alpha (8-12 Hz) oscillations, play in schema and non-schema related spatial memory will also be compared. Through this investigation, we strive to shed light into whether congruent prior knowledge can facilitate learning and memory of newly related information and provide evidence of the brain areas which contribute to such processes in humans.