der Universität des Saarlandes vorgelegt von

Reward anticipation during learning is known to support memory formation but its role on processes engaged at the time of retrieval is so far unclear. Retrieval orientations, as a reflection of strategic or controlled retrieval processing, are one aspect of retrieval that might be modulated by reward. These processes can be measured using event-related potentials (ERPs) elicited by retrieval cues from tasks with different retrieval requirements, such as changes in the class of targeted memory information. To determine whether retrieval orientations of this kind are modulated by reward during learning, the effect of high and low reward expectancy on ERP correlates of retrieval orientation was investigated in two separate experiments. In Experiment 1 reward manipulation at study was associated with later memory performance, whereas in Experiment 2, reward was directly linked to accuracy in a study task. In both studies, participants performed a recognition memory exclusion task 24 hours later. In addition to a previously reported material-specific effect of retrieval orientation, a frontally distributed, reward-associated retrieval orientation effect was found in both experiments. These findings were interpreted as indicating that reward motivation during learning leads t