The effect of post-learning presentation of music on long-term word-list retention

Abstract

Memory consolidation processes occur slowly over time, allowing recently formed memories to be altered soon after acquisition. Although post-learning arousal treatments have been found to modulate memory consolidation, examination of the temporal parameters of these effects in humans has been limited. In the current study, 127 participants learned a neutral word list and were exposed to either a positively or negatively arousing musical piece following delays of 0, 20 or 45 min. One-week later, participants completed a long-term memory recognition test, followed by Carver and White’s (1994) approach/avoidance personality scales. Retention was significantly enhanced, regardless of valence, when the emotion manipulation occurred at 20 min, but not immediately or 45 min, post-learning. Further, the 20 min interval effect was found to be moderated by high ‘drive’ approach sensitivity. The selective facilitatory conditions of music identified in the current study (timing and personality) offer valuable insights for future development of more specified memory intervention strategies.