Event Title

The Effects of Motivation and Photography on Memory

Location

Parker-Reed, SSWAC

Start Date

30-4-2015 2:00 PM

End Date

30-4-2015 3:55 PM

Project Type

Poster

Description

Photographing an object impairs memory of that object, but most of these photographs are taken in a laboratory setting with little significance. This study will examine the effect of motivation for taking a photograph on memory for the object. Participants will be directed to observe some art projects and take photographs of others. Some participants will be told that their photo will be entered into a contest while others will not, and have no reason for taking the photo. We expect that taking photographs will impair the memory of participants with no motivation. When participants have a motivation to take the photographs, however, we expect that their memory will be unaffected or improved compared to those with no motivation. This is due to the enhancing effect of personal relevance on memory.

Faculty Sponsor

Travis Carter

Sponsoring Department

Colby College. Psychology Dept.

CLAS Field of Study

Social Sciences

Event Website

http://www.colby.edu/clas

ID

1029

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Apr 30th, 2:00 PM Apr 30th, 3:55 PM

The Effects of Motivation and Photography on Memory

Parker-Reed, SSWAC

Photographing an object impairs memory of that object, but most of these photographs are taken in a laboratory setting with little significance. This study will examine the effect of motivation for taking a photograph on memory for the object. Participants will be directed to observe some art projects and take photographs of others. Some participants will be told that their photo will be entered into a contest while others will not, and have no reason for taking the photo. We expect that taking photographs will impair the memory of participants with no motivation. When participants have a motivation to take the photographs, however, we expect that their memory will be unaffected or improved compared to those with no motivation. This is due to the enhancing effect of personal relevance on memory.

https://digitalcommons.colby.edu/clas/2015/program/42