Chewing gum and context-dependent memory effects: a re-examination.
Two experiments re-examined whether chewing spearmint gum affects initial word learning and/or immediate recall for a word list. Both experiments failed to show effects of chewing gum at learning or recall, nor did they suggest that chewing gum produces a context-dependent memory effect. This was true when extraneous contextual cues at learning and recall were minimised (Experiment 2). Together, the data are inconsistent with [Wilkinson, L., Scholey, A. & Wesnes, K. (2002). Chewing gum selectively improves aspects of memory in healthy volunteers. Appetite, 38, 235-236.] claim that chewing gum aids immediate recall of visually presented words. Our results are consistent with [Baker, J. R., Bezance, J. B., Zellaby, E. & Aggleton, J. P. (2004). Chewing gum can produce context-dependent effects upon memory. Appetite, 43, 207-210.] finding that chewing gum of itself is not a sufficient condition to provoke context-dependent learning with immediate testing.
Miles
Christopher
C
School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Tower Building, Park Place, Cardiff, Wales, CF10 3YG, UK. miles@cardiff.ac.uk
Johnson
Andrew J
AJ
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002638:Chewing Gum; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008409:Mastication / Q000502:physiology*; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D011939:Mental Recall; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011930:Reaction Time
D002638:Chewing Gum