The purpose of this study was to examine the phonological encoding affects speech production and retrieval, and how this process may cause the TOT phenomenon (or also known as the ‘Tip of the Tongue’ effect). The researchers also studied whether age had an effect on the processes and incidents of encountering TOTs.
In the first experiment, the study was made up of two groups, totaling 72 participants. Each group consisted of 36 individuals, and was divided based upon their age: young adults and older adults, respectively. Age constraints were not mentioned neither was gender specified.
The test consisted of 114 questions of which the answers were words less commonly encountered in normal circumstances. For each target word, there were two
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This supported the researcher’s premises, that associative priming strengthens links within the phonological system, and in doing so reduces discrepancies by encouraging spread activation. It also appears that the age difference in participant groups resulted in minor differences in correct responses, with younger adults performing better.
This study was interesting, because it explored an interest in a fairly common yet widely underestimated cognitive mishap. Everyone has encountered a ‘tip of the tongue’ moment and been struck by its recovery at the most odd of moments later. In my opinion, it did test cognition in a meaningful way, in that it further explored the phonological system within the human brain.
In my opinion, I would have structured the experiment so that the participants had no previous knowledge of the exact topic being studied. I would have advertised the study as an experiment researching the word association based on phonology and speed at recollection. Instead of labeling an answer as “TOT”, I would have labeled it as something along the lines of “I know, but can’t place it.” This way it could be studying the onset of a TOT and seeing if the onset resides within phonological