Abstract
Background
Visual perspective during memory retrieval has mainly been evaluated with methodologies based on introspection and subjective reports. The current study investigates whether visual perspective can be evaluated with a physiological measurement: pupil dilation.
Methods
While their pupil diameter was measured with an eye-tracker, forty-five participants retrieved one memory from a field perspective (i.e., as viewed through our own eyes) and one memory from an observer perspective (i.e., as viewed from a spectator’s standpoint). After retrieval, participants rated the emotional intensity of the memories.
Results
Analysis demonstrated larger pupils during the retrieval of memories from a field perspective and higher emotional intensity for memories retrieved from a field perspective.
Discussion
The larger pupils for memories recalled from a field perspective could, however, not be attributed to their higher emotional intensity. These findings suggest that pupil dilation could be used as a physiological assessment of visual perspective during memory retrieval.
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El Haj, M., Janssen, S.M.J., Lenoble, Q. et al. The eyes of the past: larger pupil size for autobiographical memories retrieved from field perspective. Neurol Sci 43, 661–666 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-021-05297-w
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-021-05297-w