Ackermann et al (2013)

Question 1

aim

Answer 1

To investigate whether individual differences in cortisol levels predict picture encoding (learning) and recall

Question 2

no. of Participants + age range

Answer 2

1225 healthy young male and female participants between 18 and 35 years old

Question 3

Procedure

Answer 3

viewed different sets of emotions and neutral pictures on two consecutive days

Question 4

What did pictures compromise of

Answer 4

The pictures comprised two sets of 24 positive, 24 negative and 24 neutral pictures interleaved with 24 scrambled pictures.

Question 5

what did they have to do with the pictures?

Answer 5

recall after 10 mins

Question 6

On day 2 what did they have to do

Answer 6

after 20 hours they have to recall the
pictures they have seen on day one

Question 7

Findings in relation to the hormones – cortisol

Answer 7

stronger decrease in cortisol levels dueing retrieval testing were associated with better recall of pictures regardless of emotional value of the picture or length of retention interval ( 10 mins vs 20 hrs)

Question 8

However what part of the aim is not supported by the evidence

Answer 8

individual differences in average cortisol levels, as well as changes in cortisol, did not predict memory recall.

Question 9

Conclusion in relation to the context of the theory

Answer 9

indicate that higher cortisol levels during retrieval testing hinders recall of episodic memories and the results extend this view onto individuals changes in the basal cortisol levels

Question 10

What is basal cortisol levels

Answer 10

natural levels of cortisol on one’s body

Question 11

How were their cortisol levels measured?

Answer 11

salivary cortisol sampling