Sequence Learning: The Influence of Emotions

Abstract

Learning sequential behavioral patterns is a key learning skill at which humans excel. The sequence of events is crucial for the majority of higher organisms. Sequential learning refers to the cognitive and neurological processes that are involved in understanding the correct sequence of events and stimuli. Sequence learning is considered innate to human capacity in cognitive psychology because it is a crucial component of both conscious and unconscious learning as well as activities. However, there is a possibility that learning which is taking place can be due to general motor learning as well. Motor learning includes the processes of skill acquisition, retention, and transfer, are essential components of developing and mastering motor skills. In the first study, we sought to find answer to this question. We tried to replicate David Shanks study and predicted that learning in a sequence task will take place due to sequence learning and not general motor learning. We also sought to examine the influence of emotions on sequence learning. To examine this, we conducted an experiment which included a sequence task consisting of 12 blocks each with a repeating sequence except for the testing block (block 12). The results showed that in our sample, the learning that took place was because of the acquisition of the sequence. However, the results showed that there wasn’t a significant difference between the reaction times of the negative and neutral stimuli. Our second study continued with examining the role of emotions in sequence learning. To examine this, we conducted a sequence learning experiment which included both negative and neutral stimuli. We asked the participants to focus on the emotions by telling them to keep a track of the number of times the face of the opposite gender occurred. The results indicated a significant difference between the two stimuli in sequence learning. Overall, our research contributes to a better understanding of how emotions influence sequence learning. It highlights the role of different emotions in sequential processing and provides empirical support for further research.