Emotional Memory: The Effects of Temporal Pressure on Episodic Memory

Abstract

Priority Binding theory (MacKay et al., 2004) proposes that under temporal pressure arousing negative stimuli delay binding of neutral items presented in close temporal proximity (as in lists with mixed neutral and negative stimuli). With fast presentation rates, a subsequent negative item may interrupt the binding process for the preceding neutral stimulus. This results in more accurate memory for negative images presented in mixed lists. However, in slow presentation rates, binding occurs equally for all items. Therefor, no such advantage is predicted comparing images presented in lists of the same valence. This study examined the predictions of priority binding theory by manipulating temporal pressure across lists of emotional visual images. Results showed performance difference between rates, with better accuracy, sensitivity, a greater bias at the slow rate, and a trend for better accuracy for negative images than neutral images in mixed lists, which supports the predictions of binding theory. The results extend the predictions of priority binding theory to picture stimuli. However, more research need to be conducted to determine if image stimuli are differentially processed and remembered than word stimuli