The effects of audio-visual congruency on selection recall of binary visual stimuli

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to test the role of audio and visual stimuli congruency in short-term memory. It also aimed to examine if age and sleep deprivation had an effect on short-term memory performance. A comparative study tested 4 specific hypotheses using a mix of both Quasi-Experimental and Correlational designs. An experimental recall task that delivered both audio and visual stimuli helped measure the effect stimuli congruency had on short-term memory performance. In total a convenience sample of 23 individuals took part in the procedure. Statistical analysis found that bimodal stimuli congruency positively affected recall and that language strengthened this effect. Age and sleep deprivation showed no detrimental effect to short-term memory performance. Conclusions reached were that stimuli deemed congruent or a ‘good fit’ produce improved short-term memory performance and offer an interesting direction for future research in this field of study.