Dual-task experiment - Baddeley & Hitch

• Dual task study

  Baddeley & Hitch (1976)
• Aim


  To test the theory that auditory memory and visuo-spatial memory are stored separately within the STM
• Method

  • Participants complete two tasks at the same time
  • Condition 1: PPs complete two acoustic based tasks
  • Condition 2: PPs complete one acoustic and one visual task.
• Results:

  When both tasks require the PP to use their phonological loop, their ability to perform the tasks is impaired.

  However, when one tasks uses visuo-spatial sketchpad (copying a drawing) then performance is not impaired.
• Conclusion

  This provides evidence that auditory memory and visuo-spatial memory are stored separately in the STM