Procedure

• What was the nature of the experiment described in the instructions?

  It was a class project.
• What was stated about participation in the experiment?

  Participation was voluntary.
• How were participants instructed to read the article?

  As if for a class assignment.
• What were participants allowed to do while reading the article?

  Highlight and underline text.
• What types of tests were participants informed they would take?

  A short-answer and a multiple-choice test.
• What was one of the controls of the study?

  All participants wore headphones.
• What were participants in the silent condition told about the headphones?

  They would not hear anything over the headphones.
• What were participants in the noisy condition told about the headphones?

  They would hear moderately loud background noise.
• What was recorded by the experimenters during the study?

  Reading time.
• What was the purpose of the 2-minute break incorporated into the procedure?

  To minimize recall from short-term memory.
• What did participants typically do during the 2-minute break?

  Rested without headphones.
• Which test was given first to participants?

  The short-answer test.
• What condition were participants tested in?

  Either silent or noisy conditions.
• What were participants informed of before testing began?

  Their testing condition.
• What was done at the end of testing?

  Participants were debriefed about the experiment.
• How long did the entire procedure last?

  About 30 minutes.