Related Experiment Videos
Timing effects of postevent information on infant memory
1Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA.
Journal of Experimental Child Psychology
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Postevent information impacts infant memory differently based on timing. Early exposure can impair memory, while later exposure may facilitate or lead to categorization.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Infant Memory
Background:
- Postevent information can alter memory recall.
- The timing of this information is a critical factor in its effect.
- Previous research shows mixed results regarding its impact on children and adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of timing of postevent information on memory retention in 6-month-old infants.
- To determine how different exposure timings affect memory recall, facilitation, and categorization.
Main Methods:
- 124 infants learned to kick a crib mobile (target).
- Infants were exposed to a different mobile (postevent information) after varying delays.
- Recognition tests were conducted 24 hours later for original, exposure, or novel mobiles.
Main Results:
- Early postevent exposure impaired recognition of the original mobile.
- Later exposure facilitated recognition of the exposure mobile, treating it as trained.
- Timing influenced memory reactivation and led to categorization with novel mobiles at longer delays.
Conclusions:
- The timing of postevent information significantly alters its qualitative effect on infant memory.
- Findings explain discrepancies in previous research on postevent information effects.
- This study provides a foundation for understanding memory development and susceptibility to external information.