Contrast the key findings of the Andrade and Laney et al. studies on memory.

Title: Contrasting the Key Findings of Andrade and Laney et al. Studies on Memory

Introduction:
Memory is a complex cognitive process that involves the encoding, storage, and retrieval of information. Several studies have explored different aspects of memory, including the influence of external factors on memory recall. This essay aims to contrast the key findings of two seminal studies in the field of memory research, namely, the studies conducted by Andrade (1995) and Laney et al. (2008).

Andrade's Study (1995):
Andrade's study focused on the influence of doodling on memory recall. In the experiment, participants were asked to listen to a boring telephone message and recall details of the message at a later point. Some participants were instructed to doodle while listening to the message, while others were not given any specific task. The results revealed that participants who doodled while listening to the message had better memory recall compared to those who did not doodle.

Key Findings of Andrade's Study:
1. Doodling can enhance memory recall: Participants who doodled while listening to the telephone message showed improved memory recall of details from the message.
2. Doodling as a cognitive aid: Doodling may serve as a cognitive aid that helps individuals maintain focus and retain information during repetitive or boring tasks.

Laney et al.'s Study (2008):
Laney et al.'s study investigated the phenomenon of false memories and their implications for eyewitness testimony. In the experiment, participants were presented with a series of words related to a specific theme, such as "sleep," but the critical word ("sleep") was never presented. Subsequently, participants were asked to recall words from the list, and some participants falsely reported remembering the critical word ("sleep") even though it was never presented.

Key Findings of Laney et al.'s Study:
1. Formation of false memories: Participants in the study demonstrated the formation of false memories by inaccurately recalling non-presented critical words.
2. Influence of suggestion on memory recall: The power of suggestion can lead individuals to incorporate false information into their memories, highlighting the malleability and susceptibility of human memory.

Contrast of Key Findings:
While Andrade's study focused on the beneficial effects of doodling on memory recall, Laney et al.'s study examined the formation of false memories in response to suggestive cues. The key contrast between the two studies lies in their findings regarding the mechanisms underlying memory processes. Andrade's study highlights the potential positive impact of engaging in a secondary task (doodling) on memory performance, suggesting that cognitive resources can be optimally utilized through multitasking. On the other hand, Laney et al.'s study emphasizes the fallibility of memory and the significant impact of external cues on memory formation, leading to the creation of false memories.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the studies conducted by Andrade and Laney et al. provide valuable insights into the intricacies of memory processes and the factors that influence memory recall. While Andrade's study suggests the cognitive benefits of doodling on memory retention, Laney et al.'s study sheds light on the susceptibility of memory to external influences, such as suggestion and misinformation. By contrasting the key findings of these studies, researchers can gain a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of memory and the diverse factors that shape its functioning.