ENCODING IN STM

ENCODING IN STM

1. Encoding is the process of changing the sensory input into a code that can be processed by memory

2. CONRAD-ACOUSTIC CONFUSION (AO1)

   • A: To find out if people encode acoustically, even when the sensory info came in a visual format
   • P: Pp's shown a random sequence of 6 consonants rapidly (acoustically similar/dissimilar)
   • F: Frequent errors made in acoustically similar consonants strings
   • C: Consonants were presented visually, therefore Conrad said we must convert visual into acoustic encoding

3. AO2

   • Well controlled lab experiment - sophisticated equipment used - cause & effect relationship can be established (IV-acoustically similar/dissimilar) (DV-number of letter accurately recalled)
   • Supported by Baddley
     • Pp's had to do a serial recall - Difficult to recall acoustically similar words in the correct order (55% accuracy) than words that sounded dissimilar (75%)
     • C: STM is more likely to be encoded acoustically than visually
     • The findings have been replicated many times, meaning it is high in reliability
   • Stimuli used in both studies (Conrad & Baddley) was artificial
     • Ppl don't need to remember strings of consonants or lists of acoustically similar words everyday
     • Lacked mundane realism so its hard to apply it to real life situations