Which of the following best describes what studies show about the relationship between stress and memory?

• A. Stress only affects physical health and has no impact on cognitive functions like memory.
• B. There is no scientific evidence linking stress to changes in memory.
• C. Stress consistently improves memory for all types of information.
• D. High levels of stress can impair memory performance, especially for tasks requiring attention and recall.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the relationship between stress and memory by reviewing psychological research findings on how stress impacts cognitive functions.
2. Recognize that stress can have varying effects on memory depending on its intensity and duration, with moderate stress sometimes enhancing memory and high levels often impairing it.
3. Focus on the fact that high levels of stress tend to impair memory performance, particularly for tasks that require focused attention and the ability to recall information.
4. Eliminate incorrect options by noting that stress does affect cognitive functions, so statements claiming no impact or consistent improvement are inaccurate.
5. Conclude that the best description is that high levels of stress can impair memory performance, especially for tasks requiring attention and recall, based on empirical evidence.