What is one way stress affects memory?

Stress impacts memory primarily by influencing how information is processed and retrieved. When under stress, the brain may resort to over-simplifying complex information, which can lead to a speed/accuracy tradeoff. This means that while stress might push a person to recall information more quickly, it often comes at the cost of accuracy. High-stress situations can trigger a natural fight-or-flight response, which can narrow focus but may also hinder the ability to fully comprehend and articulate details. Thus, the ability to remember nuanced information can be compromised as the brain prioritizes speed over careful, thoughtful recall.

In contrast, the other options highlight positive aspects of memory performance that typically do not align with the effects of stress. For instance, improvement in recall speed and enhanced memory retention generally describe how memory functions favorably in low-stress situations. Additionally, a reduction in cognitive load typically results in better cognitive performance, which is contrary to the common effects of stress on memory performance.