Chewing gum does not induce context-dependent memory when flavor is held constant

This study examined the effect of chewing gum on memory when flavor is held constant. Four separate groups of participants (total n = 101) completed a word recall task. At learning and recall, participants either chewed a piece of gum or sucked a sweet. Each participant completed the memory task twice, once with abstract words and once with concrete words. A significant effect of word type (concrete vs. abstract) was found, however recall performance was not improved by matched oral activity at learning and recall. The results cast further doubt on the ability of chewing gum to induce context-dependent memory effects. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.