ABSTRACT
While learning is certainly cognitive, emotions are intricately linked with other brain functions that assist in the learning process. The cognitive function most relevant to learning has to be memory. Emotional states during processing of the original memory and during recall can have both positive and negative effects on how well information is remembered. This chapter discusses the ways in which emotions can enhance and limit our ability to process, retain and access information. Both positive and negative emotional states affect memory processes, but negative states appear to enhance memory better than positive or neutral states. Anxiety can reduce the ability to accurately process and recall learned information in some circumstances. The chapter offers some explanations of the way internal states affect one's memory, and introduces some of the research related to it. It highlights that the majority of research studies into memory are conducted in laboratory-type situations and are therefore highly controlled and artificial environments.
