Memory: Miller Key Study (1956)

Question 1

Aim of Miller (1956) is…

Answer 1

To investigate the capacity of STM.

Question 2

method of Miller (1956) …

Answer 2

Miller used the digit span technique. Participants hearing a list of numbers and immediately trying to recall them in correct order.

Question 3

Results of Miller (1956)

Answer 3

Span of short-term memory is 7+/-2 digits. Also found that if people chunk things together they can remember more e.g. phone number

Question 4

Conclusion of Miller (1956)

Answer 4

The capacity of short-term memory is 7+/-2 digits.

Question 5

Miller (1956) strength: high control

Answer 5

Lab experiments = high control over extraneous variables meaning confidence that the IV affected the DV. Internal validity

Question 6

Miller (1957) limitations: individual differences in memory

Answer 6

Individual differences in memory capacity depending on factors ie age. Jacob’s found that disgust span increased with age; 8 year old remember average 6.6 digits mean 19 year old had digits span 8.6. Easier to rec!l numbers than letters. Limitation cos may not generalise to how everybody’s STM works. Not valid