Year: 2017
Type: dissertation
Abstract: The aim of this thesis was to investigate how viewing time is adaptively modulated to facilitate memory formation as novel stimuli are processed by the visual system.As pupil constrictions have been found to be associated with the quality of memory formation (Kafkas & Montaldi, 2011), pupillometry was utilized in parallel with facial electromyography of the zygomaticus major (the "smiling muscle") in a novel experimental paradigm to explore the relationship between viewing behaviour, memory formation and the reward system.Through a counterbalanced within-subjects experiment, 61 participants viewed a set of 50 images 3 times while the pupil size (i.e.memory formation) and zygomaticus major activity (i.e.'liking') was recorded.It was found that viewing time was modulated so that stimuli were viewed longer during the first stimuli exposure.This appeared to have facilitated memory formation.Activity of the zygomaticus major indicated more positive affect during the first stimuli exposure than the last.The results suggest an interaction between multiple brain systems that adaptively modulates viewing time based on the temporal demands of memory formation in the visual system.
Author: Lindell, Trym Adrian Eidsvik
Institution: University of Oslo
Language: English
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2784838392