“How do modality (static images versus dynamic trials) and emotional facial expressions affect recognition memory”

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: The interaction between emotional facial expressions, perception and recognition memory (RM) is a central topic in neuroscience. Although many studies have examined the effect of emotional facial expressions on recognition memory, they only used static stimuli. However, examining the effect of emotional facial expressions using dynamic stimuli may result in different findings as previous studies alluded that dynamic stimuli may contain more information than static images. This study aimed to determine the effect of the interaction between modality (static vs. dynamic faces) and emotional expressions (Angry, Disgust, Fear, Happy, Neutral, Sadness) on recognition memory for faces. Additionally, the effect of modality and emotional faces was examined. Methods: Subjects aged 18 and above participated in the study. They were recruited from SONA. The study had a 2 X 6 within-subject design. Using a computer screen, participants were shown dynamic and static stimuli of emotional facial expressions. Findings: results showed that there was a significant main effect of modality emotion, and the interaction effect between modality and emotion on recognition accuracy. For emotions, neutral faces were more accurately recognised than other faces. For the modality of the stimuli, results showed that recognition memory for dynamic stimuli was more accurate than static stimuli. Concerning the interaction effect between emotions and modality, findings showed that recognition memory was accurate for neutral faces, followed by sad and fearful faces. This effect was stronger in dynamic images. Conclusion: recognition memory for dynamic stimuli is more accurate than static images. Similarly, neutral, sad and fearful emotional expressions in the dynamic condition are more accurate than the static conditions.