Cambridge Journals Online

Research Article

Effects of semantic relatedness on recall of stimuli preceding emotional oddballs

RYAN M. SMITHa1 and DAVID Q. BEVERSDORFa1a2 c1 a1 Neuroscience Graduate Studies Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio a2 Departments of Radiology, Neurology, Psychology, and The Thompson Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri

Article author query smith rm   beversdorf dq

Abstract

Semantic and episodic memory networks function as highly interconnected systems, both relying on the hippocampal/medial temporal lobe complex (HC/MTL). Episodic memory encoding triggers the retrieval of semantic information, serving to incorporate contextual relationships between the newly acquired memory and existing semantic representations. While emotional material augments episodic memory encoding at the time of stimulus presentation, interactions between emotion and semantic memory that contribute to subsequent episodic recall are not well understood. Using a modified oddball task, we examined the modulatory effects of negative emotion on semantic interactions with episodic memory by measuring the free-recall of serially presented neutral or negative words varying in semantic relatedness. We found increased free-recall for words related to and preceding emotionally negative oddballs, suggesting that negative emotion can indirectly facilitate episodic free-recall by enhancing semantic contributions during encoding. Our findings demonstrate the ability of emotion and semantic memory to interact to mutually enhance free-recall. (JINS, 2008, 14, 620–628.)

(Received April 23 2007)

(Revised March 27 2008)

(Accepted March 28 2008)

Key Words: Association learning; Memory; Short-term; Emotional stress; von Restorff; Oddball

Correspondence:

^c1 Correspondence and reprint requests to: David Q. Beversdorf, 300 Portland Street, Suite 110, Columbia, MO 65211. E-mail: beversdorfd@health.missouri.edu