How choices shape lasting memories
The computational and neural mechanisms linking decision-making and memory in humans
This project looks at whether the way people make decisions changes how they form and hold onto memories, especially when emotions are negative.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11320859 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would do decision-making and memory tasks while researchers measure brain activity and use computer models to link learning signals to what you remember. The team focuses on brain areas like the frontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala to see how different learning processes influence memory. They will examine how negative mood or affect changes these effects and might make memories more or less accurate. Results are aimed at explaining problems like rumination, false memories, or memory loss that can follow impaired decision-making.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who can complete computer-based decision and memory tasks and who are willing to have their brain activity recorded—possibly including people with negative mood or memory concerns—would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People whose health issues do not involve decision-making, memory, or brain function, or those unable to undergo in-person testing or brain monitoring, are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to brain processes that explain and eventually help prevent maladaptive memories such as rumination, false memories, or memory decline.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work has shown that simple learning signals like prediction errors can boost memory and that negative affect can weaken this, while applying model-based reinforcement learning to memory is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences — Newark, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Qasim, Salman Ehtesham — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Qasim, Salman Ehtesham
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.