Murdock (MMM)

aim

to see if the length of a list of words and or the pace at which the words are read would affect the serial position curve

serial position effect

the tendacy to remember the first and last item in a series better than the items in the middle

research method

controlled observation

procedure

Participants were randomly allocated one of 6 conditions. In 3 of the conditions, words were read at the pace of one word per second. In the other 3 conditions, the words were read at the pace of 1 word every 2 seconds. each participant had to read 20 lists per session, with 4 sessions occuring every 2-7 days.

findings

the pace of the presentation didn’t make a difference, In all groups, greatest number of words was recalled at the end of the list due to the recency effect, as well as the words at the beginning of the list.

strengths

study was done in standardised procedure and controlled conditions which lead to high reliability

limitations

study settings were artificial, participants were aware to pay attention

conclusion

no matter the length or the pace at which the list was read, particiapnts tended to remember the first and last few words best, and the middle words on the list were often forgotten.

how does this support the multi store memory model?

this shows that the information first enters the sensory memory through attention, and since the words in the beginning receive more attention, it gets more rehearsal. the items at the end are remembered better due to the recency effect.