Publication Date

4-1975

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

A.W. Laird, Clinton Layne, Leroy Metze

Degree Program

Department of Psychology

Degree Type

Master of Arts

Abstract

A sample of 14 low anxious (LA) male and 18 LA female subjects was drawn from introductory psychology classes. The effect of increased state anxiety, using differing instruction procedures, upon serial recall learning was studied. The Multiple Affect Adjective Check List was used as a measure of anxiety, and a Hull memory drum with nonsense syllables was used as the learning task. Results indicated that there was a significant (p < .05) increase in learning for females but no significant increase in learning for males. This study is in agreement with the majority of studies which found differences due to sex. The female subjects gave results more consistent with drive theory in relationship to increased state anxiety and learning than male subjects. A hypothesis to explain why males do not yield as consistent results as females in relation to increased anxiety and learning is stated. Implication for further research is also discussed.

Disciplines

Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Included in

Psychology Commons

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