According to research on the relationship between stress and memory, which of the following statements is most accurate?

• A. Stress only affects memory in older adults, not in younger individuals.
• B. Stress always improves memory performance regardless of the situation.
• C. High levels of stress can impair memory retrieval and formation.
• D. There is no evidence that stress affects memory in any way.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the relationship between stress and memory by reviewing psychological research findings on how stress impacts cognitive functions.
2. Step 2: Recognize that stress can have varying effects on memory depending on factors such as the level of stress (low, moderate, high) and the timing relative to memory processes (encoding, consolidation, retrieval).
3. Step 3: Note that high levels of stress typically activate the body's stress response, releasing hormones like cortisol, which can interfere with the brain regions involved in memory, such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the given statements by comparing them to empirical evidence: stress does not only affect older adults, it does not always improve memory, and there is substantial evidence that stress influences memory.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the most accurate statement is that high levels of stress can impair memory retrieval and formation, reflecting the nuanced and well-supported understanding in psychological research.