What does the multiple trace model of consolidation propose?

The multiple trace model of consolidation proposes that as memories are formed and stored, the hippocampus retains a significant role in maintaining those memories, even as they become consolidated into long-term storage in the cortex. This model suggests that the hippocampus does not simply fade away after the initial encoding of a memory; rather, it continues to communicate with cortical areas associated with the memory's content.

This ongoing relationship is crucial for the retrieval of episodic memories, particularly those that are still vivid or emotionally charged, suggesting that the hippocampus is involved in maintaining multiple traces of a memory over time and in facilitating access to those memories when needed. Thus, the correct answer highlights the enduring interaction between the hippocampus and cortical areas, emphasizing the complexity of memory storage and retrieval processes beyond the simplistic view of the hippocampus's role diminishing over time.