How does an experience of acute stress and physical arousal affect memory about the details of the event?
A) Memory is enhanced for all details of the experience.
B) Memory of central details of the experience is enhanced but not memory for peripheral details.
C) Memory of all details is impaired by the hormones that flood the body.
D) Memory of the central details is impaired because of trauma,and memory for peripheral details remains intact.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An experience of acute stress and physical arousal can enhance memory of central details of the event due to the activation of the amygdala and the release of stress hormones. However, peripheral details may not be encoded as strongly and therefore may not be as easily recalled. This phenomenon is often referred to as the "weapon focus effect" when witnesses to a crime recall vivid details about the weapon used but have difficulty remembering other peripheral details.

How Does an Experience of Acute Stress and Physical Arousal