Modulating Effects of Emotional Valence on Recognition Memory for High-Arousal Pictures

Jose Fernandez-Rey,Jaime Redondo

doi:10.11144/javeriana.upsy16-1.meev

Jose Fernandez-Rey, Jaime Redondo

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.11144/javeriana.upsy16-1.meev

Copy DOI

Abstract

The main aim of this paper was to provide new evidence on the effects of valence on recognition memory of emotional pictures, on the basis of rigorous experimental control of stimulus material. Valence was manipulated using pleasant and unpleasant pictures, keeping arousal constant at a high level. A reference condition with a neutral value in both dimensions was also included. We found greater discrimination and a more conservative response bias, as well as slower recognition decisions, for pleasant pictures. Also worthy of mention is the high positive correlation between response times and discrimination measures just for such pictures. These results would be consistent with an adaptive interpretation based on motivation and personal relevance of emotional information.

Highlights

The main aim of this paper was to provide new evidence on the effects of valence on recognition memory of emotional pictures, on the basis of rigorous experimental control of stimulus material
If our aim is to reach precise conclusions on the nature and magnitude of the effects of valence on recognition memory, arousal must be strictly controlled in order to be able to suitably isolate the aforesaid effects
With regard to recognition accuracy, the most salient point is that the data obtained with the parameter Aevince a clear discrimination advantage for pleasant arousing pictures, in comparison with unpleasant and neutral ones, irrespective of the delay in the recognition test

Summary

Introduction

The main aim of this paper was to provide new evidence on the effects of valence on recognition memory of emotional pictures, on the basis of rigorous experimental control of stimulus material. We found greater discrimination and a more conservative response bias, as well as slower recognition decisions, for pleasant pictures. Worthy of mention is the high positive correlation between response times and discrimination measures just for such pictures These results would be consistent with an adaptive interpretation based on motivation and personal relevance of emotional information. The free recall of different types of stimuli (including words, phrases, pictures) tends to be greater if they contain positive or negative emotional content than if they are emotionally neutral (for reviews, see Bradley, 1994; Reisberg & Heuer, 2004). In other studies a more conservative response bias has been obtained for pictures with unpleasant content In other studies a more conservative response bias has been obtained for pictures with unpleasant content (e.g. Gordillo et al, 2010)

Objectives

Results

Conclusion