1 - Marr: effects of acute stress on eyewitness memory Flashcards
What does the research on acute stress during witness of an event (encoding) say?
Conflicting findings: some show impairments, others improvements
Could from methodological differences between the two main fields
-> Eyewitness memory research
-> Fundamental memory research
What does eyewitness memory research have to say on acute stress on encoding?
Generally finds that acute stress at encoding impairs memory
-> especially facial identification and recall accuracy
What does fundamental memory research say on acute stress on encoding?
Shows more mixed results
-> sometimes enhances, other times no effect or negative effect
How do eyewitness memory research and fundamental research differ in type of stressors used?
Eyewitness studies often use scenario-based or ecologically valid stressors
-> more realistic but may not reliably induce stress
Fundamental memory studies use validated lab stressors
How do eyewitness memory research and fundamental research differ in manipulation checks?
Eyewitness field mostly uses self-reported stress (subjective)
-> less precise
Fundamental research relies on biological markers (e.g., heart rate, cortisol levels) to confirm physiological stress
How do eyewitness memory research and fundamental research differ in retention interval?
Eyewitness studies usually test memory shortly after the event (often same day)
-> could blur encoding and retrieval effects, not capture long-term effects
Fundamental studies usually introduce a delay of at least 24 hours between encoding and retrieval
-> better to isolate encoding effects and mirrors real memory consolidation
How do eyewitness memory research and fundamental research differ in stressor timing?
Eyewitness research typically overlaps the stressor with the event being remembered
-> reflects real-life crime witnessing
Fundamental studies often delay encoding until stress hormones (like cortisol) peak (15–25 min post-stressor)
-> less naturalistic scenarios
How do eyewitness memory research and fundamental research differ in stimulus type?
Eyewitness studies use complex, crime-related stimuli (e.g., videos of crimes, live staged events)
Fundamental research uses simpler stimuli (e.g., words, static pictures)
What are recommendations for eyewitness memory researchers?
-> Use validated lab-based stressors
-> Measure physiological markers
-> Include longer retention intervals
-> Use caution in labeling effects as “stress-related”: because of real-world scenarios there are many other factors at play
What are recommendations for fundamental memory researchers
-> Increase ecological validity
-> Time stressor and encoding together
-> Ensure stressor relevance
What are general recommendations and considerations for stress-memory research?
Control for key moderators
-> time of day
-> sex and hormone status
-> anything that may influence stress levels
Balance scientific rigour and real world relevance
