17th Annual Student Research Conference
Social Science
The Relationship between Location and Object Memories in a Realistic Setting
Emily R. Holekamp* and Jonathan Thacker
Dr. Robert Tigner, Faculty Mentor
Fifty-five participants memorized a layout of everyday objects in a simulated dorm room. Twenty-six objects were arranged on tables and shelves according to four themes (office, baby, food and personal) with each location consistent in theme except for one mismatched object. Two experimental groups were given instructions which emphasized either object identities or object locations; a control group emphasized neither. Ss viewed the area for 60 seconds and then left the room while the objects were placed on the floor along with distracter objects. Ss then recreated the room as accurately as possible. Results were analyzed to see the effects of themes, instructions, and mismatched objects on both location and object recall. While Ss performed remarkably well overall, the pattern of mistakes proved to be the most interest aspect of the research.
Keywords:
Topic(s):Psychology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 12-2
Location: OP 2111
Time: 8:45