The effect of post-learning positive arousal on memory consolidation

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of post-learning pleasant arousal on memory consolidation. Sixty undergraduate students (30 men, 30 women) learned a list of 30. Each group watched one of the emotional or neutral films. Thirty minutes after watching the film, delayed free recall and recognition tests were conducted in order to assess their memory. The results of both tests which were analyzed by t-test were significantly higher in the experiment group. Positive arousal which may occur after watching a movie (as it happens in this article) has a deep effect on cognitive performance, and facilitates recalling memories and changes deciding strategies.