Nonsense syllables are meaningless combinations of sounds that are used in psychological and linguistic research. They typically consist of consonant-vowel combinations, such as "bim" or "zop," which do not form real words. Researchers use these syllables to study memory, language processing, and cognitive functions without the influence of existing vocabulary. These syllables help eliminate biases that may arise from familiar words, allowing scientists to focus on how people learn and recall new information. By analyzing responses to nonsense syllables, researchers can gain insights into language acquisition and cognitive development, contributing to fields like psychology and linguistics.