The Attitude-Memory Relationship After 40 Years: A Meta-analysis of the Literature

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Abstract
Research on the effects of attitudes on memory has been conducted for at least 40 years. Although many writers have speculated about the role of opinion in guiding recall, the evidence has been inconsistent. Experts in the field have typically rejected the view that attitudes facilitate recall of supportive information. This paper presents a quantitative analysis of the available research on the selective recall hypothesis. Although the meta-analysis generated a significant outcome, the index of effect size was modest (overall point-biserial correlation = .18), indicating that relatively little variance in recall was explained by the independent variable of subject attitude. Delayed memory tests were more likely to result in a positive result. Journal prominence, length of message, and nature of learning environment (incidental or intentional) were all unrelated to effect size. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.

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