A1 Journal article (refereed)
Perceptual encoding benefit of visual memorability on visual memory formation (2024)

Ye, C., Guo, L., Wang, N., Liu, Q., & Xie, W. (2024). Perceptual encoding benefit of visual memorability on visual memory formation. Cognition, 248, Article 105810. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cognition.2024.105810

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Ye, Chaoxiong; Guo, Lijing; Wang, Nathan; Liu, Qiang; Xie, Weizhen

Journal or series: Cognition

ISSN: 0010-0277

eISSN: 1873-7838

Publication year: 2024

Publication date: 11/05/2024

Volume: 248

Article number: 105810

Publisher: Elsevier

Publication country: Netherlands

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cognition.2024.105810

Research data link: https://osf.io/gcj5s/

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/95303

Web address of parallel published publication (pre-print): https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/2hx8n

Abstract

Human observers often exhibit remarkable consistency in remembering specific visual details, such as certain face images. This phenomenon is commonly attributed to visual memorability, a collection of stimulus attributes that enhance the long-term retention of visual information. However, the exact contributions of visual memorability to visual memory formation remain elusive as these effects could emerge anywhere from early perceptual encoding to post-perceptual memory consolidation processes. To clarify this, we tested three key predictions from the hypothesis that visual memorability facilitates early perceptual encoding that supports the formation of visual short-term memory (VSTM) and the retention of visual long-term memory (VLTM). First, we examined whether memorability benefits in VSTM encoding manifest early, even within the constraints of a brief stimulus presentation (100–200 ms; Experiment 1). We achieved this by manipulating stimulus presentation duration in a VSTM change detection task using face images with high- or low-memorability while ensuring they were equally familiar to the participants. Second, we assessed whether this early memorability benefit increases the likelihood of VSTM retention, even with post-stimulus masking designed to interrupt post-perceptual VSTM consolidation processes (Experiment 2). Last, we investigated the durability of memorability benefits by manipulating memory retention intervals from seconds to 24 h (Experiment 3). Across experiments, our data suggest that visual memorability has an early impact on VSTM formation, persisting across variable retention intervals and predicting subsequent VLTM overnight. Combined, these findings highlight that visual memorability enhances visual memory within 100–200 ms following stimulus onset, resulting in robust memory traces resistant to post-perceptual interruption and long-term forgetting.

Keywords: perception (activity); visual perceptions; visual memory; long-term memory; working memory; cognitive processes; cognitive psychology

Free keywords: memorability; perception; visual short-term memory; visual long-term memory

Contributing organizations

Related projects

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2024

Preliminary JUFO rating: 3