Newcomer et al (1999)

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

To investigate whether higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol interfere with verbal declarative memory

Question 2

Participants

Answer 2

51 healthy people, both genders aged between 18 & 30, employees/students at Washington Uni

Question 3

Method

Answer 3

• Lab experiment
• Double blind procedure
• Random allocation to 1 of 3 groups
• Participants given a high or low level of cortisol, or placebo
• Listened to and were asked to recall a prose
• Tested prior to receiving cortisol/placebo, on the day, day after, & 4 days after taking pill, as well as 6 days to ensure no side effects

Question 4

Results

Answer 4

• Higher cortisol levels impaired memory, participamts receiving highest cortisol showed worst performance
• Effect not permanent, returned to normal once ceasing to take tablet
• Clear link between cortisol & remembering
• Statistically no difference between low cortisol & placebo groups on any day

Question 5

Conclusion

Answer 5

Concluded that high levels of cortisol impair memory, whilst performance increased over time with other groups due to practice effect/procedural learning