State+Dependent+Memory

=State-Dependent Memory=

State-dependent memory states that retrieval is most efficient when the emotional context of retrieval matches that of encoding. It consists of two effects: mood congruence and mood dependence.

Mood congruence states that recall is more likely when emotional content of information matches mood at retrieval For example, one might remember sad memories when depressed. Mood dependence states that recall is more likely when mood at encoding matches mood at retrieval. For example, information learned when happy would be more easily recalled when one is happy.

Much of the research on the subject has been focused on its behavioral consequences rather than the processes involved in producing the two effects. But in a study by Erk, Kiefer, Walter and colleagues, activity in brain regions associated with a particular emotional context predicted a greater likelihood of recall (Erk, et al.//,// 2003//)//.

=Semantic-Network Approach=

The semantic-network approach offers a neural explanation for the mechanisms behind state-dependent memory. Memory nodes specific to an emotion connect related aspects of that emotion, such as physiological response and situations that might evoke it. (Bower, 2003) Activation of any of these connections would result in the activation of the entire network.

This theory assumes that the recall in a certain mood, or of information with an emotional valence, triggers activity in emotional structures associated with that mood or valence. This has been supported by findings that the amygdala is activated during recall of emotional memories. (Dolan, 2000) While no research exists on the effects of mood at encoding on the brain activity on retrieval, the effects of emotional contexts have been documented. In one study, the brain activity recall of neutral words reflected the emotional context at encoding, and the emotional structure activated differed for negative and positive contexts. (Maratos, E.J., et al.//)// Negative contexts led to activity in the left amygdala while those that were positive triggered the bilateral orbitofrontal cortex.

The subject of state-dependent memory has complex implications in everyday life and is being researched in several fascinating areas.

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Works Cited:

Erk, S. et al. (2003) Emotional context modulates subsequent memory effect. Neuroimage 18, 439 – 447

Dolan, R.J. et al. (2000) Dissociable temporal lobe activations during emotional episodic memory retrieval. Neuroimage 11, 203– 209

Bower, G.H. (2003) Mood and memory. Am. Psychol. 36, 129 – 148

Maratos, E.J. et al. (2001) Neural activity associated with episodic memory for emotional context. Neuropsychologia 39, 910 – 920