Baddeley and Hitch 1974 Study

Study Notes

Baddeley and Hitch 1974 Study Overview

The study by Baddeley and Hitch aimed to evaluate the Working Memory model.
It investigates whether participants can utilize different components of working memory simultaneously.

Research Methodology

Conducted as a laboratory experiment using a matched pairs design.
Participants engaged in dual tasks: a digit span task and a verbal reasoning task requiring true/false answers.

Experimental Procedure

Participants were tasked with reading prose and comprehending it while remembering sequences of numbers.
Reaction times were recorded, which increased with task difficulty.
An articulatory suppression task was included, where participants repeated "the," numbers from 1 to 6, or random numbers while answering questions.

Key Findings

As the digit span increased, participants' reaction times extended, but not significantly.
No notable difference in reaction times was found between repeating "the" and 1-6 numbers.
The group repeating random numbers performed the worst, indicating central executive overload.

Conclusions

The study concluded that verbal reasoning relies on the central executive, while the digit span uses the phonological loop.
Participants' poor performance with random number recitation supported the idea of the central executive being overloaded with information.

Strengths of the Study

The study is widely supported by contemporary researchers who agree on multiple components of short-term memory.
Contrasts with the multistore model by explaining various cognitive tasks (reading, problem-solving, navigation).
Substantial experimental evidence underpins the working memory model.
Real-life applications of the model include verbal reasoning and spatial navigation.
The KF Case Study reinforces the model, showing distinct memory systems for visual versus verbal information.
Supports dual-task studies, demonstrating practical memory dynamics.

Weaknesses of the Study

Criticism from Lieberman highlights the visuospatial sketchpad's assumptions, as spatial awareness can exist without visual experience.
Suggests a need for separation within the visuospatial sketchpad into distinct components for visual and spatial information.
Lacks direct evidence on the specific operation and capacity of the central executive.
The model focuses solely on short-term memory, omitting sensory memory (SM) and long-term memory (LTM) components.
Does not account for changes in processing abilities due to practice or temporal factors.

Description

This quiz covers the key concepts from the Baddeley and Hitch 1974 study, which investigates the working memory model. It includes definitions and explanations of the aim, research method, and evaluations related to the working memory model. Perfect for students studying psychology or cognitive science.