Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

Oops, I Judged You Again: First Impressions and Memory Recall

Publication Date

2025

College

College of Sciences & Mathematics

Department

Psychological Science, Department of

SURS Faculty Advisor

Dr. Adam Smiley

Presentation Type

Metadata Only

Abstract

The current study investigates how first impressions influence memory recall. Previous research suggests that our first impressions of others can affect cognitive processing, social behavior, and memory recall of events, but the field of how exactly these impressions can affect recall in an academic setting has been sparsely investigated. To further explore this relationship, participants were asked to memorize a sequence of numbers presented by a facilitator. In the positive first impression condition, the facilitator behaved in a friendly, outgoing, and engaging manner. In the negative first impression condition, the facilitator displayed little emotion or interest in the participants. After hearing the sequence of numbers three times, participants completed a multiple-choice memory exercise and a recall task to access memory performance. We predict that participants in the positive first impression condition will display higher recall accuracy compared to participants in the negative condition. These findings may provide a better understanding of how the way we perceive others during initial interactions can influence cognitive processes such as memory recall. The results of this study will be presented at SURS.

Comments

This will be delivered as an oral presentation.

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