Date of Award
4-1971
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. John E. Nangle
Second Advisor
Dr. Bradley Huitema
Third Advisor
Dr. Christopher Koronakos
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
This study is concerned with the short term memory of a simple arm-hand motor response. The response is studied under three task conditions: (1) visual kinesthetic interference (’2 ) kinesthetic interference and (3 ) a rest condition generating no sensory interference. Five movement amplitudes (2, 6 , 12, 18 and 24 cm) and four intervals (0, 20, 40 and 60 seconds) are compared in this study. A total of thirty-six right-handed subjects were used; twelve subjects were tested under each of the three task conditions.
The findings do not support an interference theory of forgetting which has been theorized to exist in short term memory responses. No significant differences were noted between the three groups. However, it was found that accuracy in reproducing motor responses decreased as the length of the interval increased. A similar decrease in accuracy was noted as the movement amplitude or distance moved was increased.
Recommended Citation
Conklin, Mark E., "Short Term Retention of a Positioning Movement under Three Levels of Interfering Task Conditions" (1971). Masters Theses. 2847.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/2847