The Effect of Emotional Stimuli on Source Memory: Theoretical Models and Current Research*

Abstract

Source memory refers to memory for the source of information (e.g., memory for how information is acquired or memory for the modality thorough which information is acquired). Emotional stimuli refers to those stimuli that can arouse positive or negative emotions in individuals. With regard to the effect of emotional stimuli on source memory, the research findings have been controversial. Integrating the relevant research findings, the attention narrowing theory and the priority binding theory were described, and the current experimental studies were summarized that respectively demonstrate the enhancement, reduction and null effect of emotional stimuli on source memory. Finally the limitations of the current research and the directions for future research were pointed out.