Glanzer & Cunitz (1966)

Question 1

Where can this study be used? (2)

Answer 1

MSMM
Memory Models

Question 2

Aim

Answer 2

To investigate the recency effect in memory recall, specifically focusing on how the recency effect is impacted by delays or distractions

Question 3

Participants

Answer 3

46 army enlisted men - using repeated measures design
* P were first shown three 5-word practice lists to familiarize themselves with the task

Question 4

Method

Answer 4

Participants were shown a series of 15 words on a projector, each word being shown for 1 second with a 2-second interval between words - words were common, one-syllable words, and the experimenter read each word as it appeared.
* Conditions:
* Immediate recall: P asked to recall the words immediately after the list was shown
* Delayed recall: P asked to recall the words after either 10 or 30 seconds, during which they were distracted by counting from a number the experimenter gave
* Randomization: order of the lists and recall conditions was randomized
* P were asked to recall the words they remembered in any order after the given delay or immediately

Question 5

Results

Answer 5

• Immediate Recall: both the primacy (beginning of the list) and recency (end of the list) effects were observed in this condition
• 10-Second Delay: significant reduction in the recency effect (the last few words were less likely to be recalled)
• 30-Second Delay: recency effect was virtually eliminated, with no trace of it remaining after this longer distraction period

Question 6

Limitations (name 3)

Answer 6

• limit generalisability due to lack of diversity in sample
• artificiality of task limits ecological validity
• counting distractions may not be analogous to natural distractions: might not accurately reflect how distractions in daily life affect memory
• sample may have shared certain characteristics

Question 7

Strengths (name 3)

Answer 7

• repeated measures design reduces impact of individual differences in sample
• manipulated IV (time delay) effectively
• use of common, one-syllable words and consistent timing ensured a controlled environment
• random order of word representation and recall conditions helped eliminate potential order effects