PDF (PhD Thesis Susan Chipchase) - Nottingham eTheses ...

Chapter 1 – Introduction
General introduction to thesis
In this thesis I will examine the influence of emotion on memory by
examining factors at the time of encoding and retrieving memories of
emotional and non-emotional stimuli that have been presented in a controlled
laboratory setting. To set this research into the context of existing theory and
research findings I will provide an overview of the relevant scientific literature
in three sections. Firstly, I will review the psychology of emotion by
considering what emotions are, how they can be defined and the influence that
has been demonstrated of emotion on different aspects of cognition. Secondly,
I will consider the different methodologies which can be used to investigate
emotions’ effects on memory, how emotions and memory can be measured and
manipulated and how different methods of research may impact on research
findings of emotions’ influence on memory. Lastly, I will review the specific
literature investigating emotions’ effects on memory, the different stages of the
memory process that can be affected by emotion and the different types of
memory which can be affected by emotion.
Section 1.1. What are emotions?
Section 1. The psychology (cognition) of emotion
Emotions are pervasive and fundamental experiences of human
life which motivate us to pursue short and long term goals in our life. Emotions
can have diverse effects on our behaviour which can be constructive or
destructive; the fear of a dangerous situation could initiate a flight response
which could save your life whereas, the grief of a person recently bereaved of a
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