Date of Award

8-1995

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Thomas Petros

Abstract

Previous research has yielded inconsistent results regarding the effects of caffeine on memory. Such inconsistency is likely to a large extent a function of the complex interaction effects of caffeine and other variables such as estrogen. The purpose of the present study was to discern possible variation in the effects of caffeine on the recall of prose for females tested during days 1-5 or 9-13 of their menstrual cycle. One hundred and seven subjects received either O mg/kg, 2 mg/kg, or 4 mg/kg of caffeine. Following an absorption period, subjects read six passages from a computer terminal and immediately afterwards, wrote their recall of each passage. The primary result of the present study is that overall, caffeine facilitated recall performance. Although a marginal interaction involving phase of menstrual cycle was demonstrated, contrary to what was expected, no significant effects were revealed. Results of the present study are discussed in the context of previous research, and possible explanations regarding the lack of significant effects of phase of menstrual cycle are offered.

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