Memory Qs

Memory Qs

1. Explain why studies of memory have been criticised for lacking validity. (5 marks)

   • Ans). In laboratory studies of memory the participants know they are taking part in a study, and so may change their behaviour accordingly. We find out little about how people react in real-life incidents. Also, because the majority of participants in such studies are students, they may regard memory tasks as intellectual challenges and therefore try harder to remember than usual. This means that any conclusions drawn from such studies may be restricted only to that type of situation and that type of participant.

2. Explain one strength of the MSM (2 marks)

   • The claims of the multi-store model of memory are well supported by research evidence. For example, Glanzer and Cunitz found evidence of a primacy effect (supporting the idea of a long-term store) and a recency effect (supporting the idea of a short-term store).

3. Explain one weakness of the MSM (2)

   • One weakness of the MSM is that in the model, information is transferred from the STM to LTM through rehearsal. But in real life people don't always spend time rehearsing, yet they still transfer information into LTM. Rehearsal is not always needed for information to be stored and some items can't be rehearsed.

4. `The number you require is 04963532146, thank you for calling.` When you call directory enquiries to request a telephone number you often forget to have a pen and paper handy. Using what you have learned from the multi-store model of memory, how might you improve your chances of remembering the number correctly? (3 marks)

   • According to the MSM, the capacity of STM is 7+/-2 items. A telephone number longer than this is more than STM can hold. However, STM could hold more if the information was chunked. If the number was converted into three chunks - for example, 0496 3532 146 - then this would be within the capacity of 7+/-2 chunks and would be more easily remembered.

5. Kelly talks all the time. In fact, her friend Sophie wonders if she ever stops! Whenever they sit together in class Sophie has trouble following what the teacher is saying, or concentrating on her written work. Use what you have learned about the working memory model to explain Sophie's problem. (3 marks)

   • Our working memory has difficulty performing two tasks successfully at the same time when they require the use of the same component. Listening to Kelly requires the phonological loop too. Unfortunately, attending to the teacher and doing written work also requires Sophie to use the phonological loop, which gives rise to her difficulties.