Authors:
Ioana A. Badara
;
Shobhitha Sarab
;
Abhilash Medisetty
;
Allen Cook
;
Joyce Cook
and
Buket D. Barkana
Affiliation:
University of Bridgeport, United States
Keyword(s):
Memory, Learning, Emotions, EEG, ERP, Neuroscience, Education.
Abstract:
This study explored how emotions can impact short-term memory retention, and thus the process of learning, by analyzing five mental tasks. EEG measurements were used to explore the effects of three emotional states (e.g., neutral, positive, and negative states) on memory retention. The ANT Neuro system with 625Hz sampling frequency was used for EEG recordings. A public-domain library with emotion-annotated images was used to evoke the three emotional states in study participants. EEG recordings were performed while each participant was asked to memorize a list of words and numbers, followed by exposure to images from the library corresponding to each of the three emotional states, and recall of the words and numbers from the list.
The ASA software and EEGLab were utilized for the analysis of the data in five EEG bands, which were Alpha, Beta, Delta, Gamma, and Theta. The frequency of recalled event-related words and numbers after emotion arousal were found to be significantly differe
nt when compared to those following exposure to neutral emotions. The highest average energy for all tasks was observed in the Delta activity. Alpha, Beta, and Gamma activities were found to be slightly higher during the recall after positive emotion arousal.
(More)