A03

• What is one strength of Jacobs' study?

  It has been replicated
• Why might some participants' digit spans have been underestimated in Jacobs' study?

  They were distracted during testing
• What is a confounding variable in Jacobs' study?

  Distraction during testing
• What do other studies confirm about Jacobs' findings?

  They have been confirmed by better controlled studies
• What does Jacobs' study suggest about digit span in STM?

  It is a valid test of digit span
• What is one limitation of Miller's research?

  He may have overestimated STM capacity
• What did Nelson Cowan conclude about STM capacity?

  It is about 4 (plus or minus 1) chunks
• How does Cowan's conclusion affect Miller's estimate of STM capacity?

  The lower end of Miller's estimate is more appropriate
• What are the strengths and limitations of Jacobs' and Miller's studies on STM?

  Strengths of Jacobs' study:

  • Replicated findings confirm validity

  
  

  Limitations of Jacobs' study:

  • Lacked adequate controls
  • Potential distraction as a confounding variable

  
  

  Limitations of Miller's research:

  • Possible overestimation of STM capacity