Cognitive Practical Investigation

Question 1

Abstract (main points)

Answer 1

> Aim
> Alternative hypothesis
> Participants
> Opportunity sampling
> Procedure

Question 2

Introduction (main points)

Answer 2

> The multi-store model of memory explains how we remember information (rehearsal)
We tested this theory
Aim
Hypothesis

Question 3

Aim

Answer 3

Does rehearsal of information affect how well we remember it?

Question 4

Variables (IV & DV)

Answer 4

IV: time allowed for rehearsal / rehearsal prevented by counting backwards in 3s from 276
DV: the number of words remembered from a list

Question 5

Alternative hypothesis

Answer 5

There will be a significant difference in the number of words recorded from a list when rehearsal is prevented. More words will be recorded when rehearsal is not prevented.

Question 6

Null hypothesis

Answer 6

there will be no significant difference in the number of word recorded from a list.

Question 7

Participants

Answer 7

20 participants
5 male, 15 female
aged 16 (year 12)
psychology students at the same sixth form

Question 8

Sampling method

Answer 8

opportunity

Question 9

Apparatus

Answer 9

whiteboard, projector, pen, paper, 2 lists of 15 words, computer, timed slideshow

Question 10

Procedure (8 steps)

Answer 10

1. provide pen and paper
2. Ps prevented with one word at a time, 3 seconds each
3. rehearsal prevention for 1 minute (counting backwards from 276 in 3s)
4. free recall memory test - Ps wrote down as many words as they could remember - 2 mins
5. Ps calculated how many words they recalled
6. another list of 15 words presented to Ps, one at a time, 3 seconds each
7. Ps allowed 1 minute rehearsal time
8. free recall memory test of 2nd list

Question 11

Controls (4)

Answer 11

• noise > the room was silent
• time > same time for rehearsal and prevention
• words > same number for each list, similar length
• same Ps

Question 12

Ethical issues (4)

Answer 12

• no informed consent > consent gained but not informed
• deception > Ps couldn’t know true aim
• right to withdraw > allowed at any time
• debrief > deceit rectified, true aim told

Question 13

Results

Answer 13

SCORE 1
Mean: 6.85
Median: 6
Mode: 6
Range: 12

SCORE 2
Mean: 8.3
Median: 7
Mode: 7
Range: 12

Question 14

Conclusion

Answer 14

Rehearsal does affect how well we remember information.

Question 15

Evaluation: generalisability

Answer 15

Low - limited sample due to similar Ps

Question 16

Evaluation: reliability

Answer 16

High - standardised procedure (e.g. same amount of time for each word list for each P and same words)

High - strict control over extraneous variables (controlled noise level)

Question 17

Evaluation: applications

Answer 17

Yes - advice to students that rehearsal of information helps you to remember it

Question 18

Evaluation: validity

Answer 18

High - strict control over extraneous variables so we can establish cause and effect relationship –> we know a change in our DV is due to a change in the IV and nothing else

High - repeated measures participant design means controlled participant variables

Low ecological validity - artificial environment influences behaviours

Question 19

Evaluation: ethics

Answer 19

High - Ps given right to withdraw at any time and were debriefed

However - deceit and no informed consent

Question 20

Evaluation: order effects

Answer 20

due to repeated measures participant design: practise = improvement OR fatigue after one go

Question 21

Improvements for future research

Answer 21

G - wider sample

V - more natural environment