Data from: MST in the wild: Optimizing the mnemonic similarity task for use in diverse environments
Data files
Jun 11, 2026 version files 82.56 KB
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All_MST_Wild.xlsx
77.44 KB
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README.md
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Abstract
This dataset contains de-identified data from the optimized Mnemonic Similarity Task (oMST), a brief, automated assessment of hippocampal-dependent memory. The dataset includes participant-level performance measures collected across eight distinct testing contexts: (1) University of California, Irvine in-person testing; (2) University of California, Irvine online testing; (3) Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) participant testing; (4) Golden Future 50+ Senior Expo in Long Beach, California; (5) Golden Future 50+ Senior Expo in Ontario, California; (6) Somang Society Korean Cultural Center; (7) the Understanding America Study national online research platform; and (8) the Prolific online participant platform. The dataset contains demographic information, testing context identifiers, task performance metrics, and data-quality measures derived from the oMST. Variables include participant characteristics, memory performance outcomes, response measures, and indicators used for quality control and data filtering. All data have been de-identified to protect participant privacy, and no personally identifiable information is included.
Dataset DOI: 10.5061/dryad.gqnk98t1j
Dataset Overview
This dataset contains de-identified behavioral data from participants who completed the optimized Mnemonic Similarity Task (oMST), a computerized memory assessment designed to measure hippocampal-dependent memory function. The dataset was collected as part of a study evaluating the reliability, generalizability, and accessibility of the oMST across multiple testing environments and participant populations.
Data were collected across five experiments conducted in seven testing contexts, including in-person and remote testing environments. The dataset contains participant age and memory performance measures derived from the oMST.
All participant data have been de-identified. No personally identifiable information is included.
File Structure
File: All_MST_Wild.xlsx
This file contains participant-level demographic and memory performance data.
Each row represents one participant.
Columns contain demographic information, experimental condition identifiers, and memory performance outcome measures.
Definitions of Terms and Acronyms
MST
Mnemonic Similarity Task
A behavioral memory task used to assess memory performance and pattern separation processes associated with hippocampal function.
oMST
Optimized Mnemonic Similarity Task
A shortened and automated version of the Mnemonic Similarity Task designed for efficient administration across diverse testing environments.
LDI
Lure Discrimination Index
A measure of memory discrimination performance calculated from participant responses to similar (lure) items. Higher scores indicate better ability to distinguish previously studied items from similar but novel items.
REC
Recognition Memory Score
A measure of traditional recognition memory performance. Higher scores indicate better recognition of previously studied items.
G
Glasses Condition
Participant completed testing while wearing their corrective lenses.
NG
No-Glasses Condition
Participant completed testing without wearing corrective lenses.
Variables
Age
Participant age in years at the time of testing.
Type: Continuous numeric variable
Units: Years
Experiment
Numeric or categorical identifier indicating the experiment from which the participant data originated.
Type: Categorical variable
Description: Identifies the specific experiment within the larger study.
REC_In_Person
Recognition Memory Score obtained during in-person testing.
Type: Continuous numeric variable
Interpretation: Higher values indicate better recognition memory performance.
LDI_In_Person
Lure Discrimination Index obtained during in-person testing.
Type: Continuous numeric variable
Interpretation: Higher values indicate better memory discrimination performance.
REC_Remote
Recognition Memory Score obtained during remote testing.
Type: Continuous numeric variable
Interpretation: Higher values indicate better recognition memory performance.
LDI_Remote
Lure Discrimination Index obtained during remote testing.
Type: Continuous numeric variable
Interpretation: Higher values indicate better memory discrimination performance.
G_REC
Recognition Memory Score obtained during the glasses condition.
Type: Continuous numeric variable
Interpretation: Higher values indicate better recognition memory performance.
G_LDI
Lure Discrimination Index obtained during the glasses condition.
Type: Continuous numeric variable
Interpretation: Higher values indicate better memory discrimination performance.
NG_REC
Recognition Memory Score obtained during the no-glasses condition.
Type: Continuous numeric variable
Interpretation: Higher values indicate better recognition memory performance.
NG_LDI
Lure Discrimination Index obtained during the no-glasses condition.
Type: Continuous numeric variable
Interpretation: Higher values indicate better memory discrimination performance.
Missing Data
Blank cells indicate that a participant did not complete that testing condition or that data were not collected for that measure.
No personally identifiable information has been retained in the dataset.
Ethical Approval
All study procedures were approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of California, Irvine. All participants provided informed consent prior to participation.
Related Publication
Azer et al. (2026).
The dataset was generated as part of a study evaluating the reliability, validity, and accessibility of the optimized Mnemonic Similarity Task across diverse testing environments.
Human subjects data
<p>All participants gave consent to share their de-identified data publicly. Direct identifiers and any potentially re-identifying information were removed or generalized. The dataset contains only research-relevant information and cannot be traced back to individual participants.</p>