Using machine learning to simultaneously quantify multiple cognitive components of episodic memory

Abstract Why do we remember some events but forget others? Previous studies attempting to decode successful vs. unsuccessful brain states to investigate this question have met with limited success, potentially due, in part, to assessing episodic memory as a unidimensional process, despite evidence t...

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Main Authors: Soroush Mirjalili, Audrey Duarte
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-03-01
Series:Nature Communications
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-58265-9
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author Soroush Mirjalili
Audrey Duarte
author_facet Soroush Mirjalili
Audrey Duarte
author_sort Soroush Mirjalili
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Why do we remember some events but forget others? Previous studies attempting to decode successful vs. unsuccessful brain states to investigate this question have met with limited success, potentially due, in part, to assessing episodic memory as a unidimensional process, despite evidence that multiple domains contribute to episodic encoding. Using a machine learning algorithm known as “transfer learning”, we leveraged visual perception, sustained attention, and selective attention brain states to better predict episodic memory performance from trial-to-trial encoding electroencephalography (EEG) activity. We found that this multidimensional treatment of memory decoding improved prediction performance compared to traditional, unidimensional, methods, with each cognitive domain explaining unique variance in decoding of successful encoding-related neural activity. Importantly, this approach could be applied to cognitive domains outside of memory. Overall, this study provides critical insight into the underlying reasons why some events are remembered while others are not.
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spelling doaj-art-3908989eae6b4ca9be5e5c876a770aa22025-08-20T02:49:25ZengNature PortfolioNature Communications2041-17232025-03-0116111410.1038/s41467-025-58265-9Using machine learning to simultaneously quantify multiple cognitive components of episodic memorySoroush Mirjalili0Audrey Duarte1Department of Psychology, University of Texas at AustinDepartment of Psychology, University of Texas at AustinAbstract Why do we remember some events but forget others? Previous studies attempting to decode successful vs. unsuccessful brain states to investigate this question have met with limited success, potentially due, in part, to assessing episodic memory as a unidimensional process, despite evidence that multiple domains contribute to episodic encoding. Using a machine learning algorithm known as “transfer learning”, we leveraged visual perception, sustained attention, and selective attention brain states to better predict episodic memory performance from trial-to-trial encoding electroencephalography (EEG) activity. We found that this multidimensional treatment of memory decoding improved prediction performance compared to traditional, unidimensional, methods, with each cognitive domain explaining unique variance in decoding of successful encoding-related neural activity. Importantly, this approach could be applied to cognitive domains outside of memory. Overall, this study provides critical insight into the underlying reasons why some events are remembered while others are not.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-58265-9
spellingShingle Soroush Mirjalili
Audrey Duarte
Using machine learning to simultaneously quantify multiple cognitive components of episodic memory
Nature Communications
title Using machine learning to simultaneously quantify multiple cognitive components of episodic memory
title_full Using machine learning to simultaneously quantify multiple cognitive components of episodic memory
title_fullStr Using machine learning to simultaneously quantify multiple cognitive components of episodic memory
title_full_unstemmed Using machine learning to simultaneously quantify multiple cognitive components of episodic memory
title_short Using machine learning to simultaneously quantify multiple cognitive components of episodic memory
title_sort using machine learning to simultaneously quantify multiple cognitive components of episodic memory
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-58265-9
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