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Interference and the persistence of articulatory responses
Journal of Speech and Hearing Research
|December 1, 1978
Summary
Phonological interference negatively impacts short-term memory recall in children. Even easily pronounceable, non-English sounds impaired recall, suggesting language-specific phonological rules affect memory performance.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Linguistics
Background:
- Short-term memory is crucial for cognitive functions.
- Phonological similarity is a known factor affecting memory recall.
- The role of pronounceability in phonological interference requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally assess the impact of phonological interference on short-term recall.
- To determine if non-English, easily pronounceable phonological sequences affect recall in English-speaking children.
Main Methods:
- Third-grade children were divided into experimental and control groups.
- Experimental group produced phonologically inadmissible non-English sequences.
- Control group produced phonologically allowable non-English sequences.
- A 30-second retention interval preceded a free recall trial.
Main Results:
- Experimental subjects demonstrated significantly lower recall accuracy compared to control subjects.
- Phonologically inadmissible sequences led to a decrement in short-term recall.
- Easily pronounceable phonetic units were susceptible to phonological interference.
Conclusions:
- Phonological rules significantly influence short-term recall.
- Phonological interference can impair memory for pronounceable phonetic units.
- This study highlights the interplay between phonology and memory in children's cognitive development.