As memory task, subjects were tested for immediate serial recall of the visual letter sequences that were either phonologically similar or dissimilar. There were two dual-task conditions, i.e. memory task with simple tapping or complex tapping. In the control condition, only memory task was required without tapping. The results showed the advantage of the dissimilar condition over the similar in both the control and the simple tapping conditions. 4n the other hand, this phonological similarity effect disappeared in the complex tapping condition. These results were discussed in terms of the working memory model.
Key Words: Human Memory, Working Memory, Short-Term Memory, Phonological Loop, Phonological similarity Effect.