Canli et al. Flashcards
What was the background of the experiment?
research has shown evidence of there being better memory for highly emotional events
fMRI shows activated parts of brain
the amygdala is linked with emotions and memory.
What was the aim of the experiment?
to show that emotionally intense stimuli will lead to greater activation of the amygdala and to better memory recall than less emotionally intense stimuli
What was the research method used in the experiment?
lab experiment
What was the sample used in the experiment?
10 right-handed, healthy females
What was the sampling technique used in the experiment?
volunteer
What was the experimental design used in the experiment?
repeated measures
What were the controls used in the experiment?
- same sample
- order of pictures randomised
- each picture was shown for 2.88 seconds
- focused on fixation cross for 12.96 seconds
What was the task in the experiment?
sit in chair, view image, stare at fixation cross and rate with right hand pressing buttons, come back weeks later, view images plus foils, state whether not remembered, familiar, or remembered
What were the variables used in the experiment?
iv - the intensity ratings 0-3
dv - self report percentages, fMRI scans
What were the ethical issues in the experiment?
psychological harm by distressing images?
What were the results of the experiment?
high correlation between average valence and arousal ratings (-0.66 and -0.68)
scenes rated 3 extremely emotionally intense were better remembered than mild to moderate 0-2
amygdala activation was significantly correlated with higher emotional ratings
What were the conclusions drawn from the experiment?
highly emotional scenes resulting in activation of left amygdala will result in better memory of those scenes
What were the strengths of the experiment?
high standardisation (internal validity)
What were the weaknesses of the experiment?
unrepresentative sample, low generalisability, low ecological validity, uncertainty, participant variables
What are the real-world applications of the experiment?
may help with therapy for illnesses such as ptsd
How does the experiment relate to debates?
nature vs nurture - biological measure of reaction to stimuli
individual vs situational - individual differences in reactions, situational scenes presented
What was the apparatus used in the experiment?
seat with fixation cross, 96 + 48 foils images from ira, MRI machine, buttons with ratings 0 not emotionally intense to 3 extremely emotionally intense, remembrance rating
What was the hypothesis for the experiment?
nil
