Peterson and Peterson (1959)

Question 1

Aim of the Study?

Answer 1

To test the true duration of the STM

Question 2

Procedure?

Answer 2

• Students were asked to recall trigram out loud
• Students were asked to recall a number and count backwards in 3’s or 4’s from that number
• When signalled by a red light, each student was supposedto recall the trigram. Procedure was repeated 48 times using different trigrams.
• In second experiment, participants given time before repeatting the trigram.

Question 3

Results

Answer 3

• The longer each student had to count backwards, the less they were able to accurately recall the trigram
• Counting backwards after 3 seconds= 80% correct recall
• Counting backwards after 18 seconds- 10% correct recall
• In the second experiment, the extra time increased the frequency of recall as they were able to recall the info a little more

Question 4

Conclusion

Answer 4

The info in the STM fades rapidly and only 10 percent could be recalled after 18 seconds.

Question 5

Strengths

Answer 5

• Researchers used fixed timings, the study had good control and standardized procedures were used to make sure that all of the participants experienced the same process.
• The study shows how interference in the form of verbal distraction can affect our ability to retain info.

Question 6

Weaknesses

Answer 6

• The study was a labratory experiment and was conducted in an unnatural environment. Participants would show demand characteristics (change their behaviour), so the procedure lacks ecological validity.
• The study used nonsense trigrams which is not how we would use our memory in everyday life, the study lacks mundane realism.