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Memory Experiment AP Psychology

The document outlines an experiment designed to investigate the impact of specific scents on memory recall, based on the premise that olfactory cues can enhance memory retrieval. The hypothesis posits that participants exposed to scents during memorization will perform better in recall tasks compared to those who study without scents. The procedure involves two groups, one with scented candles and one without, to measure the accuracy and speed of memory retrieval.

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Huma Rehman
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9 views

Memory Experiment AP Psychology

The document outlines an experiment designed to investigate the impact of specific scents on memory recall, based on the premise that olfactory cues can enhance memory retrieval. The hypothesis posits that participants exposed to scents during memorization will perform better in recall tasks compared to those who study without scents. The procedure involves two groups, one with scented candles and one without, to measure the accuracy and speed of memory retrieval.

Uploaded by

Huma Rehman
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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I. Background The topic “Forgetting and Memory” was being taught in class.

The
purpose of designing this experiment is to improve memory, enable
a person to efficiently memorize information and recall it upon need.
Most stored information in the brain, such as the lists or numbers
you memorize, become vague and ‘eroded’ or obscure over time.
The memory of such information has altered over time, which can
cause it to be inauthentic or completely useless.
This ideology is supported by various psychologists, such as:

Herz, R. S. (2004): "Olfactory cues can evoke autobiographical


memories more effectively than other sensory cues."

Moulton, L. & Kosslyn, S. M. (2009): "The olfactory system is


uniquely linked to the limbic system, making odors powerful triggers
for memory recall."

Chen, D. & Zhuang, X. (2017): "Smell can enhance memory


retrieval, particularly for emotional memories."

Eichenbaum, H. (2017): "The integration of olfactory information


with memory processes underscores the role of scent in enhancing
recall."

II. Hypothesis/ Participants who are exposed to specific scents during information
encoding demonstrate higher speed and accuracy in memory
Variables retrieval during the recall phase when the same scent is
reintroduced, than participants who study without the scent.

The independent variable, which is being tested, is the presence


of specific scents during the information encoding phase.

The dependent variable, which is being measured, is the memory


retrieval accuracy and speed of participants when recalling the
material.

A control group is required to test the effectiveness of theory.

The constants for both testing group and control group are:
❖ material to be memorized
❖ questionnaires to be filled
❖ Answering sheet
❖ amount of time for memorization
❖ Time delay between memorization and recalling

III. Materials ❖ Scented candle


❖ Questionnaire for all participants
❖ Answer sheet
❖ List of information to be memorized
❖ Questionnaire for Memory Experiment
(includes questionnaire, information to be learned and
answering sheet.

IV. Procedure 1. There shall be two groups, Group A and Group B, with 10
participants each.
2. Both should be in different rooms/environments so
effectiveness of scent can be tested.
3. Distribute questionnaires to participants. Make sure they
complete it within a short duration i.e. 2-3 minutes.
4. Group A:
a) Light scented candle(s)
b) Distribute pieces of information
c) Instruct participants to memorize in silence, with fully
focused mind and earnestness, and to be done
within 6 minutes
d) Give gap of 5 minutes, allow participants to move
around or talk
e) Make sure the scented candles are not out
f) After 5 minutes, call all participants back
g) Distribute sheet on which participants write their
answers
h) Collect sheets after 10 minutes
i) Thank your participants for their patience and time

5. Group B:
a) Do not light scented candles
b) Distribute pieces of information
c) Instruct participants to memorize in silence, with fully
focused mind and earnestness, and to be done
within 6 minutes
d) Give gap of 5 minutes, allow participants to move
around or talk
e) After 5 minutes, call all participants back
f) Distribute sheet on which participants write their
answers.
g) Collect sheets after 10 minutes
h) Thank your participants for their patience and time

6. Collect and compile your data

V. Data
VI. Results

VII. Conclusions

Additional notes Olfactory means related to sense of smell i.e. the olfactory organs

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