An Experiment Investigating the Word
Length Effect
[IB candidate code]
[Group IB candidate code]
28th May, 2022
Number of Words: 2191 words
, Table of Contents
Introduction……………………………………………………………………….3
Exploration………………………………………………………………………..5
- Experimental Design……………………………………………………….5
- Sampling Method…………………………………………………………..5
- Controls…………………………………………………………………….6
- Materials……………………………………………………………………6
- Procedure…………………………………………………………………...7
- Ethical Considerations……………………………………………………...8
Analysis……………………………………………………………………………8
Evaluation…………………………………………………………………………10
Bibliography………………………………………………………………………12
Appendix………………………………………………………………………….13
- Appendix I………………………………………………………………….13
- Appendix II…………………………………………………………………14
- Appendix III………………………………………………………………..15
- Appendix IV………………………………………………………………..16
- Appendix V………………………………………………………………...17
- Appendix VI………………………………………………………………..18
, Introduction
The working memory model was developed by Baddeley and Hitch (1974) in order to
present a better alternative to the multi-store model (Kognity). The working memory model has
three components: the phonological loop, visuospatial sketchpad, and the central executive.
Firstly, the visuospatial sketchpad keeps the visual and spatial information active in the mind for
problem-solving. In contrast, the phonological loop keeps auditory information active in the
mind for the purpose of problem-solving. Finally, the central executive is the most important as it
monitors functions and works both the visuospatial sketchpad and the phonological loop (James
Holdnack).
Baddeley et al. (1975) is a study that shows the working memory model had several
experiments testing the working memory. Their aim was to test the phonological loop's
limitations, to see how much verbal information it could handle at one time, to test the influence
of word length on memory span (Kognity). The first experiment started with the researchers
creating four to eight-word lists, half monosyllabic words, and half 5-syllable words. The words
were spoken in sequential order, with a 1.5-second gap between each word. Participants were
then given 15 seconds to remember the sequential order. This was done to show the working
memory capabilities. Baddeley et al. (1975) concluded that shorter words had a better recall than
longer words, and this was due to the word length effect. The word length effect is an
observation that states that short word lists are recalled better than long word lists. Short word
lists are easier to recall because shorter words are rapidly rehearsed in a small duration of time
due to short words having a shorter letter content; thus, shorter words are more maintained.
Conversely, longer words are rehearsed slowly due to the longer letter content, therefore less
held in the same small duration of time (Lucy Henry).
Length Effect
[IB candidate code]
[Group IB candidate code]
28th May, 2022
Number of Words: 2191 words
, Table of Contents
Introduction……………………………………………………………………….3
Exploration………………………………………………………………………..5
- Experimental Design……………………………………………………….5
- Sampling Method…………………………………………………………..5
- Controls…………………………………………………………………….6
- Materials……………………………………………………………………6
- Procedure…………………………………………………………………...7
- Ethical Considerations……………………………………………………...8
Analysis……………………………………………………………………………8
Evaluation…………………………………………………………………………10
Bibliography………………………………………………………………………12
Appendix………………………………………………………………………….13
- Appendix I………………………………………………………………….13
- Appendix II…………………………………………………………………14
- Appendix III………………………………………………………………..15
- Appendix IV………………………………………………………………..16
- Appendix V………………………………………………………………...17
- Appendix VI………………………………………………………………..18
, Introduction
The working memory model was developed by Baddeley and Hitch (1974) in order to
present a better alternative to the multi-store model (Kognity). The working memory model has
three components: the phonological loop, visuospatial sketchpad, and the central executive.
Firstly, the visuospatial sketchpad keeps the visual and spatial information active in the mind for
problem-solving. In contrast, the phonological loop keeps auditory information active in the
mind for the purpose of problem-solving. Finally, the central executive is the most important as it
monitors functions and works both the visuospatial sketchpad and the phonological loop (James
Holdnack).
Baddeley et al. (1975) is a study that shows the working memory model had several
experiments testing the working memory. Their aim was to test the phonological loop's
limitations, to see how much verbal information it could handle at one time, to test the influence
of word length on memory span (Kognity). The first experiment started with the researchers
creating four to eight-word lists, half monosyllabic words, and half 5-syllable words. The words
were spoken in sequential order, with a 1.5-second gap between each word. Participants were
then given 15 seconds to remember the sequential order. This was done to show the working
memory capabilities. Baddeley et al. (1975) concluded that shorter words had a better recall than
longer words, and this was due to the word length effect. The word length effect is an
observation that states that short word lists are recalled better than long word lists. Short word
lists are easier to recall because shorter words are rapidly rehearsed in a small duration of time
due to short words having a shorter letter content; thus, shorter words are more maintained.
Conversely, longer words are rehearsed slowly due to the longer letter content, therefore less
held in the same small duration of time (Lucy Henry).
