The Bransford And Johnson Experiment

Introduction

The brain is one of the most complex machines to ever exist. Many experiments are conducted to try to learn more about the brain. Within the Bransford & Johnson experiment, their experiment focusing on the memory aspect of the brain. They focus on schema theory which was proposed by J. Piaget. Schema is the mental framework that helps interpret information by comparing new information to pre-existing knowledge. This study was conducted in 1972 by Bransford and Johnson. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of context, a picture, in recall a passage. Participants were divided into two groups. Group one was shown a picture, played a recorded passage, and asked to answer questions testing recall the story. Group two
The controlled group had context and the experimental group had no context. We split the room into to to have a random sampling. Controlled variables were the script of procedures, questionnaire,and pre-recorded story. We had a script and a recording to make sure that each group was given the same information without changing anything beside the picture. The independent variable is if the picture is being displayed. The dependent was how much information was recalled. Informed consent was given to each participant and debriefing was given at the end of the experiment to ensure there is not any
Opportunity sample was used because of the availability of classes during time of study, the students were from classrooms at Atlantic High School. The groups were divided by splitting the room in half. Materials: ✦ Consent Forms (See Appendix A ) ✦Script (See Appendix B) ✦Picture of Balloon (See Appendix C) ✦Data Collection Sheet (See Appendix D) ✦Debriefing Information (See Appendix F ) ✦Recording of Story ✦ Projector to show picture on screen Procedure:
1) Consent forms were given for participants to sign, if participants are under 16 years old than a parent would have to sign
2) Split the room in half.
3) The controlled group was read the script that consisted of the instructions
4) Recording of the passage was played
5) Participants were asked to recall as much information as they could remember.
6) After giving them 5 minutes, the experimental group was tested.
7) After each group was tested, we debriefed the participants and asked if they has any questions.
8) Group one was brought back into the classroom and the participants were debriefed of the