Cognitive Processes Assignment: Wilson & Emmorey Study Analysis

This assignment analyzes the research article by Wilson and Emmorey (1997) investigating the existence of a visuospatial "phonological loop" in working memory, using American Sign Language (ASL) as a case study. The assignment addresses the background of the study, the methodology involving two experiments with deaf ASL users, and the manipulation of variables such as articulatory suppression and phonological similarity. The findings revealed evidence for manual motoric coding and phonological coding in ASL users' working memory. The results suggest a configuration of components similar to the phonological loop for speech, implying that working memory can develop a language-based rehearsal loop in the visuospatial modality. The assignment explores the implications of these findings on cognitive processes and memory.

Running head: COGNITIVE PROCESSES 1
Cognitive Processes
Name
Institution

COGNITIVE PROCESSES 2
Question 1
The rehearsal loop is made up of two components that include an articulatory rehearsal process
and a phonological storage buffer. During the phonological loop, it is important to note that the
material in the buffer rapidly fades and must, therefore, be refreshed using the articulatory
process. The structure of a phonological loop is revealed from the close interdependence of the
above-mentioned components through processes like articulatory suppression and the
phonological similarity effect. These two components are interdependent and their
interdependence can be revealed in both auditory and visual stimuli. This research tested some
theoretical possibilities associated with American Sign Language. One of the theories is that the
rehearsal-loop structure is a property of vocal and auditory mechanisms that manage speech.
Another theory addressed by the others is that the structure of the phonological loop depends on
the impact that spoken language has on an individual as they develop. A particular form of
expertise is thus used to shape the phonological loop.
Question 2
The subjects in both the experiments were asked to participate in phonological coding to identify
phonologically similar and dissimilar signs. Each of the subjects was given 10 dollars to take part
in the experiment and those who scored below the set threshold of 55% were replaced. This
study had two independent variables. The first one was the use of American Sign Language
(ASL). This variable was manipulated by having signs that were phonologically similar on one
set and signs that were phonologically dissimilar on another set. The other independent variable
was the use of namable pictures. These pictures were supposed to be re-coded to aid in ASL
rehearsal. The dependent variable in this study was the working and maintenance of memory.
Both experiments used the design but they had at least one critical difference. Experiment 1, for

COGNITIVE PROCESSES 3
instance, used the manual motoric coding and both articulatory suppression and phonological
similarities were found. However, for experiment 2 articulatory suppression helped in
eliminating the phonological similarity effect by using phonological coding.
Question 3
From experiment 1, it is revealed that there are two separate components in the working memory
of participants based on ASL. The second experiment, on the other hand, reveals how the
articulatory process can be used to refresh phonological similarities. The results are analogous to
the ones found in spoken language and they are thus consistent.
Question 4
From the research, it can be said that the authors concluded that the working memory of a deaf
American Sign Language signer has a rehearsal loop that is made up of a buffer for information
retention through phonological language structure and a rehearsal process. The authors also
concluded that a phonological loop is not an independent system. This is because spoken
language can help in promoting memory performance and giving the phonological loop its
structure. Spoken language is also believed to give a structure to the visuospatial working
memory.