A research on a preference of emotional memory in different cognitive style of undergraduates

Abstract

Objective To explore the preference of emotional memory in different cognitive style of undergraduates. Methods A 2 cognitive style (field independent style / field dependent style) * 3 facial expressions (positive/neutral/negative faces) mixed designs were adopted to compare the reaction time, which in the condition of stimuli presentation time 500 ms in field independent and dependent participants (n=25, respectively). E-Prime program was used to present the stimulus and to record the reaction time and accuracy to stimuli of all subjects. Repeated Measurement ANOVA was used in the research, facial expressions (positive/neutral/negative faces) as the within group factor, and groups (stress/non stress) as between group factor. Both the main effect of each variable and the interaction effect of variables were tested. Results There were a significant difference of response time and accuracy between the field independent and field dependent college students. It was shown by repeated measurement ANOVA that the main effect(F(2, 47)=4.321, P<0.05)in facial expressions properties and the interaction effect(F(2, 47)=3.299, P<0.05)between groups and facial expressions properties were found. Further analysis showed that the reaction time to detect stimulus of positive((610.71±11.26)ms)and neutral((606.24±18.27)ms) facial expression was shorter than negative((653.17±20.91)ms)faces for field independent participants(P<0.05) .Interestingly, for field dependent group, the neutral faces((675.67±21.01)ms)were faster than others (P<0.05). Conclusion Field independent students had significant advantages over field dependent students in emotional memory. Key words: Undergraduates; Cognitive Style; Emotional Memory; Bias