PSYC580 Assignment 1 Summary memory recall PDF

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first part of the psych paper, memory recall. Short, medium and long words....

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Brandi Ladyman-Miller PSYC580/17

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How does word length affect memory recall? The brains’ ability to store and recall short-term memory is limited, although, it is an important system which is used in our everyday lives for cognitive duties such as learning and comprehending (Vianna Et Al., 2000). The study and testing of memory over the last few decades have advanced, as seen through previous research. Several studies have experimented with memory recall and the word-length effect, (see, e.g., Baddeley Et Al., 1975; Beaman Et Al., 2008; Cowan Et Al., 2003; Hulme Et Al., 2004; Nairne, J. S. 1990) which each composed relatively similar results, although each research has produced a different reasoning behind their results. One of the most prominent methodical exploration of the word length effect by Baddeley Et Al., (1975) explored the relationship between immediate memory span and the length of the words recalled. A group of participants were given eight memory recall experiments which consisted of a range of speech units, these included length of randomly generated words, words related to a subject (countries) and syllables, to explore if word-length memory recall is time-based or item-based. Baddeley Et Al., (1975) found that memory span is susceptible to word length and varies depending on the verbal materials, however, shorter words are better recalled than longer words as shorter words take less time to subvocalize. Nairne, J. S. (1990), known as ‘The Feature Model’, hypothesized that words portray a set of features called vectors. In order for the words to be recalled properly they need to be reassembled through long-term memory. The author predicted that the longer the word the higher chance of a re-assembly error, due to more segments needing to be reassembled. Beaman Et Al., (2008) replicated this study to test if Nairne, J. S. (1990) had predicted correctly. 100 Purpdue University undergraduates participated in this experiment which consisted of 80 long words and 80 shorts

Brandi Ladyman-Miller PSYC580/17

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words randomized into mixed lists of 8 words. The results showed that more short words were recalled than long words, revealing that the feature model produced an appropriate prediction. Hulme Et Al., (2004) demonstrated and compared memory recall of pure and mixed lists consisting of long and/or short words. Each list had eight words, which were to be recalled by sixteen undergraduate participants from University of York, who took part in the experiment. In the same manner of Baddeley Et Al., (1975), long words were poorly recalled in pure lists (known as the ordinary word-length effect). These results pointed out that pure lists of long words are harder for a participant to retrieve and maintain as a consequence of one’s phonological ability being limited at a time. When short and long words were presented in mixed list, the recall rate was equivalent to each other. The authors proposed that in mixed lists phonological distinctiveness is a valid explanation for the increase of long words being recalled, as words that differ in length are more distinctive. Cowan Et Al., (2003) did a similar research in which they included pure lists of short and long words, and mixed lists rotating between short and long words, containing six words each. In the pure lists the word length effect was still obtained, as the participants were able to recall more words from the short list compared to the long list. According to the authors “Attempts to rehearse the long words selectively and to a limit in the capacity to do so” (Cowan Et Al., 2003, p. 77), hence an interference when long words are presented in the same list. In the mixed list, the results still showed an advantage to short words however, within the mixed lists it was clear that the less frequent type of word, or the minority, stands out more. The current research aims to determine, whether or not, the word length affects one’s memory recall. From the previous research examined, it is clear that the

Brandi Ladyman-Miller PSYC580/17

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word length effect does contribute to immediate memory recall. We will expand upon these studies by looking into memory recall of short words, medium words and long words in pure lists. It is hypothesized that participants should recall a greater number of short words compared to the lists of medium and long words.

Brandi Ladyman-Miller PSYC580/17

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References

Baddeley, A. D., Thomson, N., & Buchanan, M. (1975). Word length and the structure of short-term memory. Journal of verbal learning and verbal behavior, 14(6), 575-589.

Beaman, C. P., Neath, I., & Surprenant, A. M. (2008). Modeling distributions of immediate memory effects: No strategies needed?. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 34(1), 219.

Cowan, N., Baddeley, A. D., Elliott, E. M., & Norris, J. (2003). List composition and the word length effect in immediate recall: A comparison of localist and globalist assumptions. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 10(1), 74-79.

Hulme, C., Suprenant, A. M., Bireta, T. J., Stuart, G., & Neath, I. (2004). Abolishing the word-length effect. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 30(1), 98-106

Nairne, J. S. (1990). A feature model of immediate memory. Memory & Cognition, 18(3), 251-269.

Vianna, M. R., Izquierdo, L. A., Barros, D. M., Walz, R., Medina, J. H., & Izquierdo, I. (2000). Short-and long-term memory: differential involvement of neurotransmitter systems and signal transduction cascades. Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias, 72(3), 353-364.

Brandi Ladyman-Miller PSYC580/17

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In reflection, I found it fairly easy to find many relevant empirical journal articles, however, I did find it difficult to read through hundreds of pages of research as it took a lot of time and concentration. I feel as though I did a good job in understanding each research text, although I believe I need to improve in summarizing each text simply. For my first ever university assignment I believe that I did a pretty good job and I would mark myself 80/100 as overtime I need to improve my writing....