Memory

Question 1

Evaluate Research into Duration

Answer 1

Meaningless Stimuli in STM Study –> stimulus used was artificial as recalling consonant syllables does not reflect everyday memory activities - lacks ecological validity.

High External Validity –> Bahrick et al investigated meaningful memories, in this case photo recognition of graduated classmates, and as a result, they reflect a more ‘real’ estimate of the duration of LTM.

Question 2

Evaluate Research into Capacity

Answer 2

Replicability –> Jacob’s study, despite being very old, has been replicated, even with possible confounding variables (distraction), his findings have been confirmed by better, controlled studies suggesting it is a valid test.

Overestimation –> Cowan (2001) reviewed other research and concluded that the capacity of STM is only about 4 plus or minus 1 chunks suggesting that the lower end of Miller’s estimate is more appropriate.

Question 3

Evaluate Research into Coding