The effects of cigarette consumption on the Sternberg visual memory searchparadigm

Aim. To examine the performance of non-smokers (n = 24), light smokers (n = 22, mean 6.5 cigarettes per day) and heavy smokers (n = 19, mean 23 cigare ttes per day) on the Sternberg memory search task. Design. A repeated-measu res, counterbalanced design was used with one between-subject factor, statu s (heavy, light or non-smoker) and two within-subject factors, condition (1 2 hours abstinence or ad libitum smoking) x time (pre- or post-cigarette). Findings. Heavy smokers in the pre-cigarette abstinent session had signific antly slower reaction times, movement rimes and higher intercepts (a measur e of factors contributing to performance other than rate of memory scan) th an non-smokers. After smoking these differences were removed. Conclusions. This suggests that rather than improving performance smoking ameliorates a deficit in certain measures of the Sternberg task produced by abstinence. U nder ad libitum conditions improvements in performance were attributed to p ractice. Across all within-subject conditions, there were no significant ma in effects of smoking status, and this result was consistent with the lack of relationship between measures of saliva continine and expired air carbon monoxide and performance. These data do not support the view that non-abst inent smokers differ from non-smokers in the performance of the Sternberg m emory search procedure.