 |
|
|
|
|
| Numerical Memory Experiment | |
|
|
|
Introduction |
|
| The
presentation of a series of digits orally by an examiner to an examinee is a
common measurement typically referred to as Digit Span in such intelligence
measures as the WISC-R and the WAIS-III.
In the majority of these intelligence tests, the digits are presented to
the examinee in an auditory format only, at which time the examinee is asked to
repeats the digits back to the examiner.
The rational of for this type of task is that is a good measure of
short-term auditory memory and attention. Because auditory information must be
recalled and repeated orally in the proper sequence, the digit span task is
often described as a sequencing task (Sattler, 1992). The PsychExperiments
Numerical Memory Experiment employs a similar format to Digit Span tasks found
in such instruments as the WAIS-III, while comparing the individual’s
short-term memory for digits presented in an auditory vs. visual format. « Return to Top» |
|
Method |
|
| Design. This study uses a within subjects design to compare digit recall for numerical stimuli presented in an auditory and visual format. The independent variable in this study is the format in which the stimulus is presented (auditory vs. visual) and the dependent variables is the length of the digit sequence that the research participant is able to recall. | |
| Stimuli. The stimuli for this study consist of numerical values ranging from 0 to 9. These numerical values are presented to the research participant in one of two groups: visual and auditory. The auditory digits (AD) are voice input recorded using Microsoft Window’s Sound Recorder. Each AD was edited down to approximately 1 second in duration with equivalent amplitudes. Using this procedure, 10 digits were voice recorded to be approximately equivalent in length and intensity. The 10 visual digits (VD) were produced using an Authorware5 display icon. Each VD was produced in Times New Roman font in black text with a 175-font size. The display time for each VD was set for 1 second. | |
|
Task. The research participant’s participation consists of the
following elements: 1.
The
research participant is presented with either the VD or AD task, followed by
the task (VD or AD) that was not presented.
The order of task presentation is randomized for each participant. Both the VD and AD tasks involve the
presentation of a sequence of numbers (0-9) in a random order. 2.
Each
task begins with a sequence that is 2 digits in length. The research participant is presented with
digits at levels that increase the sequence of digits by one digit after a
level has been presented twice. Each sequence of digits presented to the
participant is randomized and, therefore, unique. 3.
The
research participant moves up to the next level of digits if he/she responds
correctly to at least one of the two trails on a particular level. 4. This process will continue until the research participant misses both trails on a given level, at which time the process will either go to the respective task (AD or VD) that has not been presented, or end if both tasks have been completed. |
|
|
Equipment
Requirements. Computers used in this experiment must have
a sound card. Research participants must either have a head set or a pair of
speakers plugged into the “audio out” jack on the sound card. |
|
References |
|
|
Sattler,
J.M. (1992). Assessment of Children: Revised and
Updated Third Edition. San Diego,
CA: Jerome M. Sattler, Publisher, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
|
Last revised:June 03, 2003 11:46:57 AM |
|