A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

How might the findings of Godden and Badderly's study apply in educational settings?

1. Memory improvement through visual aids

2. Utilizing context similar to testing environments to enhance recall

3. Reducing the use of technology in classrooms

4. Focusing solely on rote memorization techniques

The correct answer is: Utilizing context similar to testing environments to enhance recall

The study by Godden and Baddeley, conducted in 1975, explored the effects of context on memory recall through their famous "diving experiment." Their findings suggest that people are more likely to remember information when they are in the same environment where they learned it, a principle known as context-dependent memory. Applying this to educational settings means that teachers can enhance student recall by creating learning environments that mimic testing conditions. For example, if a lesson is taught outdoors, testing students outdoors may yield better recall than testing them in a traditional classroom setting. This approach emphasizes the importance of context in learning and memory, supporting strategies that align the learning and testing environments to optimize performance. In contrast, while visual aids can aid memory, this concept does not directly connect to the context-dependent aspect studied by Godden and Baddeley. Similarly, reducing technology usage or focusing on rote memorization does not leverage the contextual elements that have been shown to improve recall in their research. Thus, utilizing a context similar to testing environments provides a practical application of the study's insights in educational practice.