Working memory model - Baddleley

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

To investigate how word length affects recall, providing evidence for the phonological loop component of the WMM.

Question 2

Participants

Answer 2

Adult volunteers (exact number varies across experiments).

Question 3

Method

Answer 3

Series of controlled laboratory experiments.

Question 4

Procedure

Answer 4

• Participants were given lists of short words (e.g., “cat, pen, cup”) and long words (e.g., “university, refrigerator”).
• They were asked to recall the words in order.
• Some experiments included articulatory suppression to block rehearsal.

Question 5

Results

Answer 5

• Participants recalled more short words than long words.
• When articulatory suppression was added, the word length effect disappeared.
• Shows that the phonological loop has a time based capacity (about 1.5–2 seconds of speech).

Question 6

conclusion

Answer 6

The findings support the Working Memory Model, demonstrating that the phonological loop relies on subvocal rehearsal and has a limited temporal capacity.

Question 7

evaluation - strong evidence for phonological loop

Answer 7

• Strong evidence for the phonological loop: recall depends on word length and rehearsal time.

Question 8

Evaluation - highly controlled experiment

Answer 8

• Highly controlled experiments allow clear causal conclusions.

Question 9

evaluation - artificial tasks

Answer 9

• Artificial tasks limit ecological validity.

Question 10

evaluation - focuses on verbal memory

Answer 10

• Focuses only on verbal memory, not the visuospatial sketchpad or central executive.

Question 11

evaluation - replicable and reliable

Answer 11

• Replicable and reliable, strengthening support for WMM.