2.3.3 contemporary study- S&HG

Question 1

evaluate study (weaknesses)

Answer 1

-low mundane realism, ppts provided with digits and assessed via correct recall, can’t explain how phonological loop is used day to day
-low generalisability, children from schools in madrid, all born in spain, unrepresentative of wider populations and cultures

Question 2

evaluate study (strengths)

Answer 2

-high internal validity, extraneous variables controlled eg eliminating those with learning difficulties and no one had repeated a year, clear cause and effect
-high reliability, standardised procedure-digits read 1 per sec, 3 trials, digit added when they got it right, high repeatability

Question 3

results and findings

Answer 3

-digit span increased with age to 17
-differences in word length (english vs spanish) can affect memory span
-english and spanish equal below age 7, due to absence of sub vocal rehearsal
-phonological loop not affected by dementia, only by age
-elderly people’s digit span similar to 7 year olds, declines with age

Question 4

aims of study

Answer 4

-study developmental pattern of working memory over time
-to look at the decline of digit span over time, including in those with dementia

Question 5

hypothesis

Answer 5

the hypothesis that there is a difference in digit span which increases with age from 5 - 17 years old

Question 6

describe the sample

Answer 6

570 volunteers aged 5-17 years, from the Spanish population and from various schools in Madrid

Question 7

mean digit span of 15-17 year olds

Answer 7

5.83

Question 8

describe Anglo Saxon results

Answer 8

increases until 15 to adjust span of 7

Question 9

impact of sub vocal rehearsal

Answer 9

-longer it takes to say digit to self, the more the trace decays so the easier it is to lose information
-subvocal rehearsal begins at 7
-should be similar results between spanish and english before 7
-digit span about 1 digit lower for spanish people due to sub vocal rehearsal