Honors Theses
Date of Award
Spring 5-9-2026
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Health, Exercise Science, and Recreation Management
First Advisor
Paul Loprinzi
Second Advisor
Julia Phillps
Third Advisor
Joseph Wellman
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
As memories are formed or learning progresses, neurons within the brain establish a strong connection in what is referred to as a “neural engram.” This neural engram can be strengthened or weakened by certain physiological factors. Dopamine, for example, is released during physical exercise or when positive reinforcement is incorporated (Greenwood, 2019). This is a neurotransmitter that leads to a stronger connection between neurons, which in turn leads to a stronger memory formed in the brain. These physiological relationships that contribute to cognition are still being discovered, so research in this area is ongoing (Guskjolen and Cembrowski, 2023).
Memory is a more observable or measurable aspect of the efficiency of the neural engram. Memory is a fairly complex concept that continues to be studied and understood. Memory can be divided into relational memory, spatial memory, verbal memory, procedural memory, working memory, and many other categories. Interestingly, memory ability differs significantly between males and females, and these relationships continue to be studied.
Cognitive health becomes increasingly important as individuals age, especially as the risk for cognitive diseases increases. Studying the causal relationships between specific therapies and memory can help to build an understanding of cognition. In this study, we investigated the relationship between exercise, observational learning, and procedural memory in order to contribute to the body of literature involving procedural learning. In addition to studying that relationship, we investigated potential differences between males and females.
Recommended Citation
Gossett, Madeline R., "The Effects of Acute Exercise and Observation on Procedural Learning: Considerations of Biological Sex" (2026). Honors Theses. 3451.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3451