Avoiding the Three C's
By Kayla Gatalica, English and International Studies, Class of 2010
Psychology students will know what the term state-dependent learning means, but the rest of us might not be so familiar with the concept. You’re using state-dependent learning when you depend on caffeine to stay awake to cram for an exam. The next day when you begin your exam, you may not remember as much as you would like, because you’re no longer hyped up on caffeine. Because statedependent learning can negatively affect your ability to remember what you’ve learned, it’s important to keep in mind your chemical state and level of energy when studying.
Consuming excesses of any of the “three C’s” (caffeine, candy, or cigarettes) changes your body’s chemical state, and you may experience state-dependent learning, making it difficult for you to remember what you’ve studied once your body returns to its normal state. So before you gulp down that sixth cup of coffee at the library, remember that the caffeine in all that joe may make it harder for you to remember what you’re studying now when you need it later!
Download the PDF: Avoiding the Three C's