Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
Published on: February 14, 2014
The effects of age and emotional valence on recognition memory: an ex-Gaussian components analysis
Carmen Moret-Tatay1, Amparo Moreno-Cid, Irani Iracema de Lima Argimon
1Universidad Católica de Valencia "San Vicente Mártir", Spain.
Abstract:
The aim of this work was to study the effects of valence and age on visual image recognition memory. The International Affective Picture System (IAPS) battery was used, and response time data were analyzed using analysis of variance, as well as an ex-Gaussian fit method. Older participants were slower and more variable in their reaction times. Response times were longer for negative valence pictures, however this was statistically significant only for young participants. This suggests that negative emotional valence has a strong effect on recognition memory in young but not in old participants. The τ parameter, often related to attention in the literature, was smaller for young than old participants in an ex-Gaussian fit. Differences on the τ parameter might suggest poorer attentional performance in old participants.
Related Concept Videos
Cognitive Development During Adulthood
The Influence of Affect on Cognition
Role of Amygdala in Memory
One of the...
Factors Affecting Perception
An illustrative example of a perceptual set is the scenario where an airline pilot told...
Labeling Emotion
Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age

