Experiment A

GCSE ΨUnit 1: Memory

Instructions

• You will need paper for 5 lists• Pen in hand• There will be lists of 30 words• Initially, read the column on the left, then the

middle, and lastly the right• DO NOT WRITE WHILE THEY ARE SHOWING• When they disappear, write them down – in any

order• Keep answers hidden as you move on!

Ready

CatEngineMirrorClownHotelSpadeBoxBrushBabyNecklace

MopSatnavBookMapWheelClockTreeHandbagForkCandle

ShirtLipstickFootballKeyringLadderEggHatBanditZebraCarpet

ObsceneColourfulLargeSweetAngryMindfulDistressedWickedSmellySwift

ExpensiveHotIndifferentTastyStrongFearfulHandsomeImpreciseNonsensicalSad

HumorousBusyIndignantDustyLoudHonourableLeafySoftObjectionableCuddly

SleepAlarmReactYawnEyesCurtainsJuicePhoneShowerTowel

DeodorantHairUnderwearShirtTrousersBreakfastTeaTeethBooksShoes

DoorCarAirconMusicSchoolFoyerLockerFriendsTutorLessons

List 4

This will be read aloud to you.

Do not write until the speaker has finished.

(Teacher – cover the next slide and read from it.)

HeartLineAppleNowComputerRandomSunscreenHighDirectionMaths

HappinessPuppetIntenseLiverOpenGreenBusThoroughMildReason

VarnishSeatKillerNineTownWildMoreCementCloudSteak

List 5

This will come as a series of words in order, one at a time on the screen.

They change rapidly (one per second.)

Again, do not write until the blank screen.

READY...

Awesome

Rich

Beans

Sponge

Balcony

Aircraft

Kitten

Solo

Nightmare

Coke

Elephant

Pencil

Ocean

Happily

Kindness

PS3

Hoop

China

Batman

Radish

Migraine

Running

Knick-knack

Unclean

Sydney

Drainage

Lifting

Microwave

Niceties

None

Before we “mark” them:

• What is all this testing?• What results do you expect in general?– produce SEVERAL predictions– be sure the data can either prove or disprove

• What differences between the lists?• Will any groups do better than any others?

• Is this a “test” of you personally?• Who enjoyed it? Who was anxious?

Producing results

• Mark your own lists from the board• Any order will do• “Yawning” will do for “yawn” – ½ mark• In double tables (up to 8 people)– produce total “correct” for 30 items on each list– graph it with the words in order

The key questions

• What shape are the graphs? Why?

• Do the 4 list graphs differ? How? Why?

• Are some words easier than others? Which types? Why? What might be the key to the colour-coding on the next page?

ObsceneColourfulLargeSweetAngryMindfulDistressedWickedSmellySwift

ExpensiveHotIndifferentTastyStrongFearfulHandsomeImpreciseNonsensicalSad

HumorousBusyIndignantDustyLoudHonourableLeafySoftObjectionableCuddly

Different variables“Variables” are parts of the expt you can change. E.g.:• full list vs. one-word-at-a-time• culture differences• list shape & layout & font choice• list length• list speed or timings• length of words• rarity / familiarity of words (different for different ppts?)• visual / aural / pictoral• context / links in the list• fatigue? distraction?

The real science here

• Glanzer & Cunitz (1966)• Primacy & recency effect:– end of a list remembered best– start remembered well too– low recall for middle unless vital / unique / linked

• Recency effect disappears under pressure

• Is it life-realistic, though? (“I went downstairs for... and I did the other thing but I forgot...”)

Task 1

In groups of 4:• replicate a version of this experiment• at least 2 lists – basic and one other variable• run it initially with at least 12 people in class• ... then with 12 people outside (get permission!)• video it on smartphone if you can (share with critics)• collate the results as group and graph them• draw conclusions WRITE IT UP

• criticise other groups’ methods if you can

Writing it up

Use these four sections:• AIMS: what were you attempting to find out?• PROCEDURES: what did you do– be exact with every detail– be careful to detail how you avoided poor data

• FINDINGS– graphs, and comparisons of different graph / lists

• CONLUSIONS: link back to your aims