Retrieval practice reshapes neighboring memories in a naturalistic continuous-recognition dataset

Retrieval can facilitate or impair related memories, but most evidence comes from laboratory paradigms with experimenter-defined relationships. Here, we asked whether retrieval-related associations emerge in temporal neighborhoods of a large naturalistic continuous-recognition dataset. We analyzed 72,402 target tests from the Natural Scenes Dataset and modeled target recognition as a function of prior tests of neighboring images.

Closest-neighbor analyses showed a local dissociation: accurate same-session neighbor retrieval predicted better target recognition, whereas accurate across-session neighbors and inaccurate same-session neighbors predicted poorer target recognition. Accumulated weighted-history models showed broader positive associations for accurate retrieval history and negative associations for inaccurate same-session history. These findings suggest that retrieval-related spillover in naturalistic memory depends jointly on retrieval success, session context, and neighborhood scale.

X.L.L discloses support for the research of this work from the Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (CUHK 24614525). Z.L. declares no relevant funding. The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong The authors declare no competing interests.

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Retrieval practice reshapes neighboring memories in a naturalistic continuous-recognition dataset. Sci Rep (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-78312-9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-78312-9