Related Experiment Videos
Implicit and explicit memory in pregnant women: an analysis of data-driven and conceptually driven processes
1School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. john.mcdowall@vuw.ac.nz
Summary
This study found no significant differences in memory performance between pregnant women and non-pregnant controls. However, first-time pregnant individuals reported subjective memory decline.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Human Development
Background:
- Previous research suggested pregnant women exhibit impaired implicit memory.
- This impairment was noted alongside intact explicit memory functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To replicate and extend findings on memory in pregnancy.
- To investigate memory performance using varied encoding strategies and task types.
Main Methods:
- 64 women (32 pregnant) participated.
- Employed read/generate encoding manipulation.
- Utilized data-driven and conceptually driven memory tests.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in objective memory tasks between pregnant and non-pregnant groups.
- First-time pregnant subjects reported subjective memory worsening.
Conclusions:
- The study did not replicate previous findings of objective memory impairment in pregnant women.
- Subjective memory complaints in early pregnancy warrant further investigation.