HUMAN COGNITION

ASSIGNMENT

TOPIC – COGNITION, AND MEMORY

Submitted By- Nida Bukhari

Submitted To- Ms. Priyanka
SEM-1
SECTION-A
MEMORY AND MOOD
Mood and memory are interrelated in the sense that mood can influence
the retrieval and subsequent storage of memories. The following are
different examples and theories that explain the relationship between mood
and memory:
Mood congruent memory: This theory suggests that individuals tend to
remember information better when their mood during recall matches the
mood experienced during encoding. For example, if someone learned
something while they were sad, they are more likely to remember it later
when they are sad again.
Emotional state-dependent memory: This theory states that people are
more likely to recall events when their emotional state at the time of recall
matches the emotional state experienced during the original event. For
example, if someone was happy when they learned something, they will
remember it better if they recall it while feeling joyful.
Context-dependent memory: This theory suggests that a person's
memory is influenced by the context in which it is encoded and retrieved.
For example, if someone learned something in a specific location, they may
have better recall of that information when they return to that location.
State-dependent memory: This theory argues that a person's memory is
influenced by their physiological state during encoding and retrieval. For
example, if someone learned something while under the influence of drugs,
they may find it easier to remember the information while under the same
influence.
Overall, it can be concluded that mood plays an important role in the
formation and retrieval of memories. The emotional state of a person can
impact the way they recall information, and being mindful of one's mood
during encoding and retrieval can help improve memory retention.
MOOD DEPENDENCE FOR INTERNALLY GENERATED EVENTS

Mood dependence for internally generated events refers to the influence of

an individual's current mood on their subjective experiences and cognitive
processes, such as memory recall, decision-making, and problem-solving.

One example of mood dependence is the mood-congruence effect, which

suggests that individuals are more likely to remember information that is
consistent with their current mood state. For example, a person who is
feeling sad may recall negative events more easily than positive ones.

Another example of mood dependence is the affect-as-information theory,

which proposes that people use their current mood as a source of
information when making judgments or decisions. For instance, a person
who is feeling happy may perceive neutral stimuli as more positive and
make more optimistic judgments.

The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions posits that positive

emotions broaden an individual's attentional focus and cognitive flexibility,
allowing them to see more possibilities and solutions to problems. The
theory suggests that this broadening effect can lead to the building of
enduring personal resources such as resilience, coping strategies, and
social support.

These examples and theories demonstrate how mood dependence for

internally generated events plays a vital role in shaping an individual's
subjective experiences and cognitive processes, highlighting the
importance of monitoring and regulating one's mood to promote positive
mental health and well-being.
DEPRESSION AND MEMORY

Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings

of sadness, hopelessness, and disinterest in activities that used to bring
pleasure. Memory, on the other hand, involves the process of encoding,
storing, and retrieving information.

Depression can have a significant impact on memory, and there are

different theories explaining the relationship between depression and
memory. Here are some examples:

Executive Function Theory: This theory suggests that people with

depression may have impaired executive function, which can affect their
memory. Executive function refers to the cognitive processes involved in
planning, organizing, and completing tasks. Research has shown that
impaired executive function can lead to difficulties in encoding and
retrieving information, which can result in memory problems.

Stress Hormone Theory: Another theory suggests that depression may

cause an increase in stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can affect
memory. Research has shown that high levels of cortisol can damage brain
cells in the hippocampus, a region of the brain responsible for memory.
This damage can lead to problems with encoding and retrieving
information, which can result in memory problems.

Cognitive Bias Theory: This theory suggests that people with depression
may have a negative cognitive bias, which can affect their memory. A
negative cognitive bias refers to a tendency to interpret information in a
negative way, which can result in distorted memories. Research has shown
that people with depression may have a bias toward remembering negative
events over positive ones.

For example, a person with depression may have trouble remembering

positive experiences, such as a happy vacation or a good day at work.
Instead, they may remember negative experiences, such as a fight with a
friend or a mistake at work. They may also have trouble remembering
important information, such as appointments or deadlines, which can affect
their daily life.

Overall, depression can have a significant impact on memory, and there

are different theories explaining the relationship between the two.
Understanding these theories can help in developing effective treatment
strategies for individuals with depression and memory problems.

DEPRESSION AND FORGETTING

Depression and forgetting are closely related as depression can lead to

forgetfulness or memory problems. Depression is a mood disorder that
affects a person's feelings, thoughts, and behavior. It can cause feelings of
sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness, which can impact a person's
ability to concentrate and remember things.

Depression can affect the brain's ability to form and recall memories as it
can interfere with the function of the hippocampus, the part of the brain that
is responsible for memory and learning. Depression can also lead to a lack
of motivation and interest in activities, which can cause a person to forget
important events or tasks.
Furthermore, depression can often cause sleep disturbances, such as
insomnia or oversleeping, which can further impact memory and cognitive
function. When a person is not getting enough restorative sleep, their brain
may struggle to retain memories and perform cognitive tasks effectively.

Moreover, depression can cause people to become preoccupied with

negative thoughts and emotions, leaving little mental energy to focus on
remembering important information. In some cases, people with depression
may also experience a lack of motivation, making it harder to engage in
activities that might help with memory and cognition.

Forgetting is a common experience that can occur for various reasons.

Stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, aging, and some medical conditions such as
Alzheimer's disease can cause forgetfulness. However, it's worth noting
that forgetfulness is not always a sign of a medical condition, and it can
happen to anyone.

Depression can affect memory function by changing the structure and

function of the brain, as well as by creating an emotionally overwhelming
environment that makes it harder for individuals to focus on remembering
important details. Forgetting can happen for various reasons, and it doesn't
necessarily indicate an underlying medical condition.

In summary, depression and forgetting can be interconnected, as

depression can lead to memory problems and forgetting due to its effects
on the brain's function and the ability to concentrate and focus. It is
important to address both depression and memory problems to ensure a
person's overall well-being.
Reference

John G. Benjafield • Daniel Smilek • Alan Kingstone (Cognition Fourth

Edition)