22nd Annual Student Research Conference
The Effect of Mood on Working Memory: Validity Measures of Random Number Generation
Joshua A. Hallows*, Nicole D. Sharp, Gayathri Herath, and Jonathan Whitfield
Dr. David B. Conner, Faculty Mentor
This study is an empirical investigation of the validity of Random Number Generation (RNG) when used as a measure of Working Memory. The results of Honts & Wittmann (2008) did not fully coincide with results from previous literature, which led us to modify the methodology in one important way. This change was related to the amount of time allowed for participant responses during the working memory task. We hypothesize that by allowing participants extra time to complete the RNG task we may be able to control for an artificial inflation or reduction of RNG scores as reported in previous studies. We also hypothesize that the rumination and worry associated with depressed and anxious mood states will impair performance on the RNG task. Data collection is ongoing and results of the current study will be presented.
Keywords: Working Memory, cognition, random number generation, mood, mood induction
Topic(s):Psychology
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 3-8
Location: PML
Time: 4:15