HL EXTENSION - Memory

What is one cognitive process affected by digital technology?

Memory

How is memory defined in cognitive psychology?

The capacity to encode, store, and retrieve information.

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, characterized by inattention and hyperactivity.

How is ADHD linked to working memory?

ADHD is associated with impairments in working memory, often due to cognitive overload.

What technologies are commonly used in everyday life that may affect memory?

Online videos, laptops, games, social media, and search engines.

How can video games help children with ADHD?

They can exercise visual working memory and improve cognitive performance over time.

What was the aim of Klingberg (2005)?

To test the effects of computer game training on working memory and attention in children with ADHD.

What type of study was Klingberg (2005)?

True experiment

What were the two experimental conditions in Klingberg’s study?

• Group 1: Game designed to improve working memory (difficulty increased).

• Group 2: Same game, but not designed to stretch working memory capacity.

What was the procedure of the Klingberg study?

Children played games for ~40 minutes/day, 5 days/week. They were tested after 5 weeks and again after 3 months.

What were the results of the Klingberg study?

Group 1 showed significant improvement in working memory and reduced symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity.

What are two strengths of Klingberg’s study?

1. High ecological validity (played in natural settings).

2. Longitudinal design tested both short- and long-term effects.

What are three weaknesses of Klingberg’s study?

1. Small sample size (only 40 children).

2. Risk of fatigue due to task repetition.

3. Potential parental bias in reporting symptom improvement.

What is the Levels of Processing theory (Craik & Lockhart)?

Information processed semantically (deeply) is remembered better than information processed structurally (superficially).

How does notetaking method affect memory according to this theory?

• Handwritten notes → Semantic (deep) processing.

• Laptop notes → Structural (shallow) processing.

What was the aim of Mueller & Oppenheimer’s study?

To see if laptop vs. handwritten notetaking affects academic performance and memory.

What type of study was it? (Mueller)

Quasi experiment

What was the sample? (Mueller)

Male and female university students.

What was the procedure of the study?

• Participants took notes during a TED Talk using their normal method (laptop or hand).

• 30 minutes later, they answered factual and conceptual questions.

What were the results of Mueller & Oppenheimer’s study?

• No difference in factual recall between groups.

• Handwritten note-takers performed better on conceptual questions.

What are two strengths of the study of Mueller?

1. Reflected participants’ natural notetaking styles.

2. Standardized and replicable design.

What are two weaknesses of Mueller?

1. Low generalizability—only university students were tested.

2. Participant variability—e.g., smarter students may prefer handwriting.

What is transactive memory?

Knowing where information can be found and how to access it rather than remembering the information itself.

What is the "Google Effect" (or digital amnesia)?

The tendency to forget information that can be easily retrieved online.

What was the aim of Sparrow (2011)?

To test how belief in future access to information affects memory recall.

What type of study was it? (sparrow)

A true experiment using a 2x2 independent sample design.

What was the sample? (Sparrow)

University students (male and female).

What were the 4 experimental groups? (sparrow)

• Told info would be saved + told to remember

• Told info would be saved + not told to remember

• Told info would be erased + told to remember

• Told info would be erased + not told to remember

What was the procedure? (sparrow)

Participants typed trivia facts and were told different storage and memory instructions, then tested on recall.

What were the results? (sparrow)

• Being told to remember → no effect.

• Believing info was saved → significantly reduced recall.

What does Sparrow’s study show?

Reliance on digital storage can weaken memory because people make less effort to remember information.

What are two strengths of the study? (sparrow)

1. Lab experiment allowed high control and replicability.

2. Standardized design ensures reliability.

What are three weaknesses of the study? (Sparrow)

1. Low ecological validity—lab setting using trivia facts.

2. Low generalizability—only Harvard students.

3. No control for prior knowledge of trivia facts.

Why should claims about brain-training tech be scrutinized?

Because companies may make exaggerated claims; one major company was sued and fined $2 million for false advertising.

What caution does this provide for interpreting research?

Even though some studies show positive effects, it’s important to critically evaluate all evidence before drawing strong conclusions.