Survival processing effect in memory under semantic divided attention.
- 1 September 2021
- journal article
- research article
- Published by American Psychological Association (APA) in Canadian Journal of Experimental Psychology / Revue canadienne de psychologie expérimentale
- Vol. 75 (3), 299-306
- https://doi.org/10.1037/cep0000210
Abstract
Past research demonstrated enhanced memory for information encoded with relevance to a survival scenario compared to a control scenario, an effect referred to as the survival processing effect in memory. This effect has been explained by a proximate mechanism hypothesis (i.e., survival processing enables deep elaborative processing that promotes memory). In support of this hypothesis, past research found that, during encoding, the survival processing effect was largely intact under a perceptual or low-load secondary task condition but eliminated under a high-load secondary task condition. To test semantic encoding as a possible proximate mechanism, the current study assesses the impact of high-load and low-load divided attention tasks that require semantic processing of digits on the survival processing effect. Seventy-two young adults rated words for their relevance to two survival scenarios (i.e., grassland and mountain) and one non-survival control scenario (i.e., cruise), while completing a concurrent high-load or low-load semantic digit-monitoring task. No survival processing effect was found in either condition. The results suggest that semantic encoding probably serves as a proximate mechanism for the survival processing effect in memory.Keywords
Funding Information
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (371762-2009; RGPIN-2014-06153)
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