Types of memory - sensory

Question 1

describe the method of the research into the duration of sensory memory

Answer 1

Sperling (1960):

• showed p’s 3x4 grid for 50 milliseconds
• had to immediately recall whole grid or a specific row

Question 2

describe the results into the research into the duration of sensory memory

Answer 2

• when p’s recalled whole grid they recalled 4 -5 letters

- when recalling a row they recalled on average 3

Question 3

what was the conclusion of the research into the duration of the sensory register?

Answer 3

• most able to recall 3 items from any row
• therefore whole grid was held in sensory
• couldn’t report whole grid cause the trace faded before they could finish recall

Question 4

evaluate the research into the duration of the sensory memory

Answer 4

• lab, reliable, high internal validity

- lack ecological validity, artificial

Question 5

what is the capacity of sensory memory?

Answer 5

unlimited

Question 6

what is the duration of sensory memory?

Answer 6

less than half a second

Question 7

what is the coding of sensory memory?

Answer 7

• modality specific (original form)
• there is a register for each sense
• iconic - visual
• haptic - touch
• echoic - sound
• olfactory - smell
• gustatory - taste

Question 8

describe the research into coding for sensory memory

Answer 8

Chowder (1993):

• found echoic and iconic stores have different duration’s
• suggests info is coded into different sensory stores

Question 9

describe the research into the capacity of sensory memory

Answer 9

Sperling (1960)

- found p’s could recall letters from a 3x4 grid when it flashed up for one 20th of a second