Females’ superiority in item memory, but not source memory for neutral and emotional Chinese words

Although studies have shown females’ superiority in episodic memory, it is unclear whether such superiority is modulated by emotionality of stimuli. Furthermore, episodic memory consists of two elements – item memory and source memory. It is unclear whether females have advantages in both elements. This study examined gender differences in item memory and source memory for neutral and emotional words. The major findings are that females were superior to males in item memory for neutral and emotional words but did not differ from males in source memory. Additionally, it is enhancement of recollection rather than familiarity, that contributed to females’ superiority in recognition. The above findings highlight the need to differentiate elements of episodic memory in examining gender differences. Possible mechanisms underlying the above findings (e.g., gender differences in verbal strategies) were discussed.

► We examined gender differences in item memory and source memory for Chinese words.
► Females are superior to males in item memory for neutral and emotional words.
► Females and males do not differ in source memory for neutral and emotional words.
► Enhancement of recollection contributes to females’ superiority in recognition.