Chewing gum does not induce context-dependent memory when flavor is held constant.
This study examined the effect of chewing gum on memory when flavor is held constant. Four separate groups of participants (total n=101) completed a word recall task. At learning and recall, participants either chewed a piece of gum or sucked a sweet. Each participant completed the memory task twice, once with abstract words and once with concrete words. A significant effect of word type (concrete vs. abstract) was found, however recall performance was not improved by matched oral activity at learning and recall. The results cast further doubt on the ability of chewing gum to induce context-dependent memory effects.
Overman
Amy A
AA
Elon University, Psychology Department, Campus Box 2337, Elon, NC 27244, USA. aoverman@elon.edu
Sun
Justin
J
Golding
Abbe C
AC
Prevost
Darius
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002638:Chewing Gum; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008409:Mastication / Q000502:physiology*; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D011939:Mental Recall; D013649:Taste
D002638:Chewing Gum