Question

In a research study, subjects were asked to count backwards by threes while trying to memorize nonsense letters. A major implication of the findings was:

Answer 1

The options are:

A) short-term memory involves random rather than sequential access.

B) interference occurs when people are unable to rehearse information in short-term memory.

C) interference does not occur if two sets of stimuli are unrelated.

D) a mechanical task such as counting cannot be performed if long-term memory is filled to capacity.

The answer is B. interference occurs when people are unable to rehearse information in short-term memory.

The experiment is also called Brown–Peterson procedure and is used to test the memory capacity of individuals.

It is done by asking subjects to count backwards by threes while trying to memorize nonsense letters. This explains that interference occurs when people are unable to rehearse information in short-term memory.