Isabel Rosenberg
Research Mentor: Robin Edelstein
Mentor Department: Psychology, LSA
Author(s): Robin Edelstein, Isabel Rosenberg, Charlie Clayton
Session: Session 1 (9:00 AM – 9:50 AM)
Presentation Type: Poster 78
Abstract
Research has sought to conclude whether the emotional nature of material (positive or negative) can impact how accurately people remember it. Many believe that stressful situations can cloud the accuracy of recall, or that adrenaline and heightened senses cause one to pay more attention and remember better than in other emotional states. Emotional biases influence our understanding of the world. Our team in the Emotion Meta-Analysis lab works to compile emotion-memory-focused research works, some starting as early as 1968, and all coming from psychologists and researchers all over the globe. Examining and comparing the methods of each study will allow for a greater understanding of the different factors that can influence memory. Making note of the age and sex of participants, the directions that participants received (recall vs recognition, inclusion of self relevant information or not), and whether the stimuli were matched on emotional intensity are just some of the ways that we will consolidate the vast research done. As of now, there is no comprehensive study done comparing whether negative information is remembered as accurately as positive information. As a research team, we expect to see that older adults will remember positive, self- relevant material better compared to their younger counterparts. The effect of emotion on memory has many important implications for the world of criminal justice and wrongful incarcerations, and the work we do can either dispel or confirm common beliefs about memory accuracy. Throughout the process of vetting articles and reading dissertations, we also intend to find gaps or discrepancies within certain studies. By analyzing over 400 experiments (including the field’s most recent and oldest publications), a well-founded conclusion can be made.
