Paired Associate Learning:
Title: Paired Associate Learning: Effect of emotionally valent content on paired associate
learning
Objectives/Aim: The objective of this experiment is to investigate the influence of emotional
valence (positive, negative, neutral) on paired associate learning. By presenting participants with
pairs of words of different emotional valences, we aim to understand how the emotional content
affects the ability to learn and recall the associations between the word pairs.
Introduction Points:
Learning: meaning and definition.
Verbal learning: meaning and types.
Paired Associate learning.
Role of Imagery in paired associate learning
Role of emotional valence in paired associate learning
Problem Statement(s):
This experiment aims to address the following questions:
1. How does the association of emotional valence influence the recall of non-sense syllables
presented in a serial order?
2. To what extent does positive and negative emotional valence associated with non-
sense syllables influence recall performance in a single participant/subject?
Hypotheses:
Null Hypothesis (H0): Emotional valence does not significantly affect paired
associate learning.
Alternate Hypothesis (H1): Emotional valence significantly influences paired
associate learning.
Experimental Design:
The experiment will be conducted in three conditions, one each with emotionally neutral pairs,
emotionally valent pair-positive, emotionally valent pair-negative.
CONDITION CYCLE
PT TT TT TT TT TT TT TT TT TT TT TT TT
NC
1MIN BREAK
PVC
1MIN BREAK
NVC
PT: presentation trial
RT: Recitation trial
TT: TEST TRIAL
NC: neutral condition
PVC:positive valence condition
NVC: negative valence condition
Variables:
Independent Variable (IV): Emotional valence (Neutral, Negative, Positive)
Dependent Variable (DV): Performance in paired associate learning (measured by accuracy
and reaction time in recall tasks)
Control Variable (CV): Low imagery words chosen for
pairs Operational definition of variables:
Emotional Valence: The emotional tone of the word pairs, categorized as neutral (e.g., SIH -
PLAN), negative (e.g., NOV - ANGER), and positive (e.g., ZAD - PEACE).
- Paired Associate Learning Performance: The accuracy and speed with which participants
recall the correct associations between word pairs during learning and recall tasks.
Method:
Materials Required:
Apparatus: Slideshow presentation software in computer/laptop for displaying non-
sense syllables paired with meaningful words.
Stopwatch/timer for timing presentation of each syllable.
Wooden screen to separate participant/subject and experimenter.
Pen and paper for recording participant/subject responses.
Procedure:
Participants will undergo a series of trials in each condition, wherein they will be presented with
10 pairs of words sequentially, with each pair displayed for a duration of 10 seconds. During this
presentation, participants will be instructed to verbally recite the paired words as they appear on
the screen. Subsequently, after the completion of each set, participants will be shown only the
first word of each pair for a period of 10 seconds, during which they will be prompted to recall
the corresponding second word. Upon providing their response, participants will be asked to
articulate the mnemonic strategies employed to aid in the retrieval of the paired associations.
In the event of an incorrect response, the experimenter will provide the correct pairing and
proceed to the next pair. This cycle will continue for a total of 10 trials. The experiment will be
terminated upon the participant delivering two consecutive correct responses for all word pairs
presented or when 10 test trials are over.
This methodology ensures systematic data collection while allowing insight into participants'
mnemonic strategies and their impact on paired associate learning.
Instructions to Participant/Subject:
Welcome ! Thank you for participating in our experiment. Throughout the experiment, you will
be presented with sets of word pairs on the screen. Your task is to memorize these word pairs to
the best of your ability. Each set of word pairs will be displayed for 10 seconds. During this time,
I want you to verbally recite the paired words as they appear on the screen. Please speak clearly
and loud enough for yourself to hear. After each set, only the first word of each pair will be
shown on the screen for 10 seconds. Your job is to recall the corresponding second word for
each pair. Please do your best to remember the associations. If you provide an incorrect
response, I will correct you and we will move on to the next pair. Don't worry if you make
mistakes, just try your best. We will continue until you provide two consecutive correct
responses for all word pairs, or until we complete 10 trials. If you have any questions or
concerns at any point during the experiment, please don't hesitate to ask. Otherwise, let's begin.
Are you ready to start?. Great! Let's begin with the first set of word pairs.
Precautions:
1. Ensure participants have no prior knowledge of the word pairs to avoid
confounding effects.
2. Provide clear instructions and clarify any doubts participants may have before
starting the experiment.
3. Experimental setting should be free from distractions
Scoring:
- Each correct association recalled by the participant earns one point.
- Response time for each correct association will be recorded for analysis.
- Accuracy and reaction time will be compared across conditions to assess the impact of
emotional valence on paired associate learning.
Results:
Condition NC PVC NVC
Total correct response
% of correct
Responses
Graph:
A bar graph illustrating the percentage of correct response for all three conditions.
Result & discussion guideline: Conclusion:
References:
Appendix:
Scoring Sheet: Paired Associate learning: Effect of
emotional Valence
Neutral Condition
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SIH PLAN
KAZ METHOD
GOX FACT
CIH IDEA
LOJ VISION
ZOF VALUE
HOG SKILL
VEF HOUR
JIL NOTION
CEJ RULE
Scoring Sheet: Paired Associate learning: Effect of
emotional Valence
Positive valence Condition
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
HUY BRAVE
GOH HOPE
KIQ JOY
ZAD PEACE
XOM BLISS
QAP TRUST
FIP GRACE
GOZ PROUD
VEK SMILE
LEP LOVE
Scoring Sheet: Paired Associate learning: Effect of
emotional Valence
Negative Valence Condition
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
NOV ANGER
COL PAIN
PAR SAD
QUS ENVY
JAD REGRET
DOS GUILT
PAH DISGUST
MEF HATE
JIS GRIEF
YAL SHAME