Effects of active exploration on novelty-related declarative memory enhancement

Exploration of novel environments has reliably been shown to enhance learning in rodents. More recently, these effects have replicated humans using virtual reality: Memory is enhanced after exploration compared familiar environments. However, a versus environment differs another aspect. Navigating territory can rely more on habits, while navigating new requires active decision-making. This difference choices could contribute the positive novelty memory. In this study, we aimed investigate possibility. Participants familiarized with (day 1) and were exposed again 2 or 3) 3). either actively explored passively behavior participant reality. After exposure environment, participants performed word-learning task filled out questionnaires regarding presence seeking personality trait. Mixed models suggested that memory performance was higher reversed for environment. Bayesian statistics provided further weak evidence influenced by interaction between type. Taken together, our findings suggest may novelty-induced benefits, but future studies need confirm finding.