The effect of post-learning presentation of music on long-term word-list retention

Abstract

Memory consolidation processes occur slowly over time, allowing recently formed memories to be altered soon after acquisition. Although post-learning arousal treatments have been found to modulate memory consolidation, examination of the temporal parameters of these effects in humans has been limited. In the current study, 127 participants learned a neutral word list and were exposed to either a positively or negatively arousing musical piece following delays of 0, 20 or 45. min. One-week later, participants completed a long-term memory recognition test, followed by . Carver and White's (1994) approach/avoidance personality scales. Retention was significantly enhanced, regardless of valence,..