Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026
15:57
Brain Imaging Investigation of the Memory-Enhancing Effect of Emotion
Published on: May 4, 2011
Encoding details: positive emotion leads to memory broadening
Narine S Yegiyan1, Andrew P Yonelinas
1Department of Communication, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA. nsyegiyan@ucdavis.edu
Cognition & Emotion
|July 16, 2011
Summary
Positive arousal broadens memory for details, unlike negative arousal which narrows it. This study investigated how arousal impacts memory for central and peripheral information.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Memory Research
Background:
- Arousal influences memory, with negative arousal typically causing memory narrowing.
- The effect of positive arousal on memory detail remains less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test if positive arousal broadens memory for details, unlike negative arousal's narrowing effect.
- To investigate the differential impact of positive and negative arousal on memory for central and peripheral details.
Main Methods:
- Recognition memory for central and peripheral details of pictures varying in arousal was assessed.
- Stimuli were selected to cover a wide range of arousal for both positive and negative items.
Main Results:
- Both positive and negative arousal increased memory for central details.
- Negative arousal initially increased then decreased peripheral detail memory.
- Positive arousal continuously increased memory for peripheral details.
Conclusions:
- Negative arousal leads to memory narrowing.
- Positive arousal can lead to memory broadening, enhancing recall of both central and peripheral details.
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