Cited by 266Memory and Neural MechanismsMemory Processes and InfluencesCognitive Functions and Memory

The hippocampus and inferential reasoning: building memories to navigate future decisions

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Zeithamova, Dagmar, Schlichting, Margaret L., Preston, Alison R.·2012·Frontiers in Human Neuroscience

Abstract

A critical aspect of inferential reasoning is the ability to form relationships between items or events that were not experienced together. This review considers different perspectives on the role of the hippocampus in successful inferential reasoning during both memory encoding and retrieval. Intuitively, inference can be thought of as a logical process by which elements of individual existing memories are retrieved and recombined to answer novel questions. Such flexible retrieval is sub-served by the hippocampus and is thought to require specialized hippocampal encoding mechanisms that discretely code events such that event elements are individually accessible from memory. In addition to retrieval-based inference, recent research has also focused on hippocampal processes that support the combination of information acquired across multiple experiences during encoding. This mechanism suggests that by recalling past events during new experiences, connections can be created between newly formed and existing memories. Such hippocampally mediated memory integration would thus underlie the formation of networks of related memories that extend beyond direct experience to anticipate future judgments about the relationships between items and events. We also discuss integrative encoding in the context of emerging evidence linking the hippocampus to the formation of schemas as well as prospective theories of hippocampal function that suggest memories are actively constructed to anticipate future decisions and actions.

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Crossref · 10.3389/fnhum.2012.00070

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  • The anterior portion of the hippocampus is associated with relational processes that contribute to the ability to integrate memory details across experiences.

    “In particular, the anterior portion of the hippocampus is associated with relational processes (77–79) that contribute to the ability to integrate memory details across experiences (80).”

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  1. Kumaran D. (2012). The hippocampus, generalization, and structure learning: an empirical and theoretical perspective. Front. Hum. Neurosci. (in press). PMC3366348 22675298

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Authors
Zeithamova, D., Schlichting, M. L., & Preston, A. R.
Affiliations
The University of Texas at Austin (US)
Corresponding author
Preston, Alison R.
Venue
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
Published
2012
Volume
6
Pages
70-70
ISSN
1662-5161 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2001562084
Cited by
266
References
97
Citations by year
2026: 15 · 2025: 24 · 2024: 16 · 2023: 21 · 2022: 21 · 2021: 32 · 2020: 20 · 2019: 15 · 2018: 21 · 2017: 13 · 2016: 16 · 2015: 15 · 2014: 12 · 2013: 13 · 2012: 10
FWCI
8.20
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
cc-by-nc
Locations
  • Frontiers in Human Neuroscience (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
  • National Science Foundation (CAREER)
  • National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression
  • National Institutes of Health
  • National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate
  • National Institute of Mental Health (F32MH094085)
  • Army Research Office (55830- LS-YIP)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory and Neural Mechanisms
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory Processes and Influences
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Cognitive Functions and Memory
Keywords
hippocampus, inferential reasoning, memory encoding, memory retrieval, memory integration, schema formation, prospective memory, memory construction, decision-making

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