Duration of STM - Peterson and Peterson (1959) Flashcards

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1
Q

Aim

A

To examine how long info can remain in the STM.

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2
Q

Procedure

A
  • Lab experiment.
  • Sample of 24 psychology students selected.
  • Given a random 3-letter consonant syllable trigram, eg, (CZD) and then a 3-digit number.
  • Participants were asked to count backwards from the 3 digit number (interference task to avoid repetition of the trigram).
  • They were asked to stop after differing amounts of time, eg, 3,6,9,12,15 or 18 seconds.
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3
Q

Findings

A

80% recalled accurately after 3 seconds
10% recalled accurately after 18 seconds

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4
Q

Conclusion

A

STM has a limited duration of approximately 18-30 seconds.

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5
Q

Strength

A
  • Lab experiment so there was a standardised procedure and a high level of control over the variables.
  • Extraneous variables were minimised.
  • Easily replicable.
  • High reliability.
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6
Q

Weakness

A
  • Has sample bias.
  • 24 psychology students participated meaning that findings were possibly unrepresentative and therefore cannot be generalised to the wider population.
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7
Q

Weakness

A
  • Artificial stimuli involved.
  • Recalling a 3-letter consonant syllable trigram is arguably not representative of everyday tasks.
  • Lacks ecological validity.
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