| dc.contributor.advisor |
Zald, David H. |
|
| dc.contributor.author |
Larcada, Liana |
|
| dc.date.accessioned |
2011-02-06T23:06:41Z |
|
| dc.date.available |
2011-02-06T23:06:41Z |
|
| dc.date.issued |
2011-02-06 |
|
| dc.identifier.uri |
http://hdl.handle.net/1803/4725 |
|
| dc.description.abstract |
Working memory accounts for various types of cognitive processing, including object and spatial processing. Distraction has been demonstrated to be domain-specific with the strongest interference coming from a distractor within the same realm of processing. Emotional distractors also typically generate a strong interference effect. Using an n-back working memory task for object and spatial working memory, we tested type of distractor (erotic, negative and neutral) and phase of working memory (maintenance and encode/retrieval). We found that object working memory was the most affected by these distractors. We also found that erotic images produced the strongest interference effect and distraction in the encode/retrieval phases caused decreased performance. This study further confirms the domain-specificity of working memory and makes inferences regarding emotion theory and cognitive interference. |
en_US |
| dc.description.sponsorship |
Thesis completed in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the Honors Program in Psychological Sciences. Mentor: Dr. David Zald |
en_US |
| dc.language.iso |
en_US |
en_US |
| dc.publisher |
Vanderbilt University |
|
| dc.subject.lcsh |
Cognitive psychology |
en_US |
| dc.subject.lcsh |
Distraction (Psychology) |
en_US |
| dc.subject.lcsh |
Short-term memory |
en_US |
| dc.subject.lcsh |
Emotions and cognition. |
en_US |
| dc.title |
Causes of Interference: Working Memory and Distraction |
en_US |
| dc.title.alternative |
Working memory and distraction |
en_US |
| dc.type |
Thesis |
en_US |
| dc.description.school |
Vanderbilt University |
en_US |
| dc.description.department |
Psychological Sciences |
en_US |
