Question

In three experiments, participants studied emotionally negative and neutral images that varied in visual quality - luminance and color saturation. They then reconstructed the visual qualities of each image in a subsequent test. Findings revealed that memories were recollected as less visually vibrant than they were encoded, demonstrating a novel memory-fading effect. What does the word novel mean?

a) Unique or new
b) Boring
c) Familiar
d) Colorful

Answer 1

In the research context provided, the word 'novel' means 'unique or new', referring to the discovery of a new memory-fading effect where memories appear less vibrant upon recollection.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of the experiment where participants studied emotionally negative and neutral images, the word novel means 'unique or new'.

This suggests that the observed memory-fading effect where memories were recollected as less visually vibrant than they were encoded was a previously unidentified phenomenon in the realm of memory research. It signifies an original finding rather than something that was already known (familiar), boring, or related to color (colorful).

Visual encoding plays a crucial role in how we remember information. For instance, high-imagery words like 'car', 'dog', and 'book' are typically easier to recall because individuals often create mental images for these concrete concepts. On the other hand, abstract words such as 'level', 'truth', and 'value', which are considered low-imagery, might not evoke visual mental pictures as readily, making them harder to remember.