Final sections of memory

We finished the memory module today. Strategies for memory improvement include visual imagery, mnemonics, method of loci & dual coding hypothesis (plus many more - you only need about 4). For each method you need to describe the strategy and then explain why it works. For an example of a past exam question on this topic see Q2 on this paper (January 2011). My ppt is here but is fairly brief - you must make your own notes from the textbook. A sheet that I have used in previous years is here - this contains a table to fill in on the different strategies.

The cognitive interview is straightforward enough. Describe it (remember COPE), give some supporting research, and say why it works. There are a few downsides as well - possibly unsuitable for children and very resource-intensive. My ppt is here.

Age & eyewitness testimony

Today's powerpoint is here, and if you missed the handout come and find me to get one. You need to know three ways in which eyewitness testimony is affected by age, and describe supporting evidence for each. The own-age bias is relevant here - superior recognition for those of our own age. Since many research studies use young people, this might go some way to explaining reduced performance in older participants.