How does an experience of acute stress and physical arousal affect memory for the details of the event?
A) Memory is enhanced for all details of the experience.
B) Memory of central details of the experience is enhanced but not memory for peripheral details.
C) Memory of all details is impaired by the hormones that flood the body.
D) Memory of the central details is impaired because of trauma, and memory for peripheral details remains intact.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The experience of acute stress and physical arousal can enhance memory for central details of an event, such as the main focus of the stressor, but impair memory for peripheral details or items that are not directly related to the stressor. This is due to the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol, that can interfere with encoding and consolidation of memories for non-central information. Therefore, option B, which suggests that memory of central details is enhanced but not peripheral details, is the best choice.

How Does an Experience of Acute Stress and Physical Arousal