Gradual learning and inflexible strategy use in amnesia: Evidence from case H.C.

摘要: Abstract The value of case studies in informing our understanding dissociations and interactions memory was recognized early on by Endel Tulving, whose comprehensive work with the amnesic K.C. helped to confirm distinctions between episodic semantic memory. Following this tradition, we examined use cognitive strategies developmental H.C., a young woman structural abnormalities extended hippocampal system (Rosenbaum et al., 2014). H.C. tested two tasks, transitivity transverse patterning, that each required learning relations among items, for former, also ability make inferences across sets relations. multiple sessions demonstrated seemingly contradictory patterns performance: evidence gradual learning, yet an inability flexibly switch strategy may otherwise benefit performance. Specifically, task, showed novel led successful inferential On some objects sessions, expressed knowledge task followed ‘rock-paper-scissors’ rules. However, did not from unitization strategy, which had shown previous success other cases (D’Angelo 2015; Ryan, Moses, Barense, & Rosenbaum, 2013). H.C.’s over-reliance rules, even face alternate strategies, is suggestive enact flexibility. Poor performance thus have resulted interference experimentally presented her self-imposed strategy. present findings echo reported Tulving (Tulving, Hayman, Macdonald, 1991). Whereas neurologically intact individuals rely functions rapidly learn new information resolve interference, amnesia gradually, but such particularly prone resulting adapt changes conditions order optimize