Implicit motivational states influence memory: Evidence for motive by state-dependent learning in personality

This article describes three experiments that test the influence of implicit motivational states on learning and memory performance. A consistent pattern of results demonstrated that implicit motivational states are inherently linked to memory and learning processes. First, there is evidence that the strength of implicit motives correlates with the encoding and retrieval of motive-related stimuli. Second, implicit motives interact with arousal states that facilitate selective recall and elaboration of motive-related stimuli. Third, implicit motives interact with arousal states that facilitate, not only selective encoding and recall, but also effort and speed in memory performance. Findings are discussed as evidence for the unique influence of implicit motives on memory within a functional framework.