MEMORY SPAN EXPERIMENT

Title

Investigating Gender Influence on Memory

Retention & Accuracy Employing Visual and
Numerical Representation.

Abstract

This research investigates the influence of visual representation (diagrams) and

numeric display (digits) on gender differences in relations to accuracy and level of
retention. The experiment aimed to investigate whether females exhibit superior
memory retention for visual stimuli and equal proficiency in numerical memory
retention compared to males. This within-subject study explored gender differences
in memory span, with 20 psychology undergraduate participants (15 females, 5
males) randomly selected to complete a memory span task featuring both visual
(pictures) and numerical (digits) stimuli. Despite the predictions, results showed that
females did not significantly outperform males in memory retention and accuracy for
visual stimuli, rejecting the hypothesis of female superiority in visual memory.
Additionally, no significant gender difference was found in memory retention and
accuracy for numerical stimuli, supporting the hypothesis stated against equal
proficiency. This result advances our understanding of memory mechanisms,
highlighting the importance of considering individual differences in cognitive
functioning. Individual variations, rather than gender, appear to drive memory
performance. The null effect of gender on memory span suggests a need to shift
focus towards identifying personal strengths and weaknesses in cognitive abilities,
with implications for the development of targeted interventions and improved
cognitive outcomes.

Introduction

Memory refers to the cognitive process of encoding, storing and retrieving

information over time. (Baddeley,2000). Memory span specifically refers to the
maximum amount of information an individual can retain and immediately recall from
short term memory.
A Memory span experiment is used to measure the number of items that can be
recalled immediately after presentation of the items. In a memory span experiment
participants are usually asked to recall the items presented in the order in which they
were presented. By examining how many items can be retained and accurately
recalled, researchers gain a better understanding of the cognitive processes
underlying memory and information processing. The elements presented can
include: letters, words, numbers, syllables. The different types of memory are short
term memory/working memory, episodic memory, semantic memory, collective
memory, and autobiographical memory. The capacity to work with and retain
knowledge in the short term is known as short-term memory. Memory span
experiments are essential in cognitive psychology, providing insights into the
capacity and efficiency of short-term memory, educational psychology and clinical
psychology. Two important theoretical explaination contributed to our understanding
of memory span; chunking (miller,1956) and limited capacity model(Baddeley,1986)
This report seeks to assess memory retention between male and female. Gender
differences in memory performance have seldom been examined explicitly. (Herlitz,
Nilsson, & Backman, 1997). Although, studies which have examined the relationship
between gender and memory test performance have produced uncertain findings
with some studies reporting a significant relationship. A study conducted on gender
differences in recalling memory suggested that neither sex can be said to have a
better memory. Instead this depends on their physiological capabilities, their interest,
their expectations and other factors. They concluded that some information were well
recalled by females and whereas some were well recalled by male (Pauls et al.,
2013).However, there is no conclusive evidence suggesting gender differences in
memory recall among students of the University of Lagos, hence the purpose of this
study.

Problem Statement

Memory Recall is a vital cognitive skill that escape many individuals, despite its
significance in daily life. Curiously, people often struggle to recall information,
exposing a substantial knowledge gap. This study seeks to bridge this gap by
exploring the underlying factors that influence memory capacity, specifically
investigating the barriers and facilitators that affect the ability to retain and recall
information, ultimately informing strategies to enhance memory performance and
mitigate real-world memory lapses.

Aims and Objectives of Memory Experiment:

Aims.
This study aims to investigate the impact of learning speed on memory retention in
males and females.

Objectives.
1.To establish if males or females have a higher advantage in memory span for
different inputs( digits or pictures)
2. To examine the ability to focus attention and filter out distractions

Research Questions

1. Does learning speed affect Memory ?

2. Between male and female who have longer Memory Span?

Hypothesis

1. memory span will be lower when participants are under a high cognitive load.
2. The memory span will be higher when participants are given a visual aid to
support memory.

Operational Definition

Memory: the faculty at which the mind stores information and remember them
*span* the length at which something lasts e.g time , space , duration , period , etc .

Working Memory: The cognitive system responsible for the temporary storage and
manipulation of information necessary for complex cognitive tasks. In the context of
the memory span experiment, working memory capacity refers to the maximum
number of items (digits, words, spatial locations) a person can hold , handle or
control in memory simultaneously.

Memory Span: The definition of memory span is the maximum length of a sequence
(e.g., digits, words etc ) that a person can accurately recall in the correct order
immediately after presentation .

Stimulus: A thing or event that arouses activity or energy in someone or something

PARTICIPANTS: this refers to as individuals or independent variables that take part

in the experiment

Experiment instruments or equipments: This refers to specific items or tools used in

carrying out an experiment

Procedure : plan of action or official way of doing something

IBM SPSS: SPSS Statistics is a statistical software suite developed by IBM for data
management, advanced analytics, multivariate analysis, business intelligence, and
criminal investigation.

Literature Review

Working memory is an individual’s capacity to simultaneously manipulate some

information while maintaining other information. (Baddeley, 1986; Kane et al., 2004;
Miyake, 2001). Working memory span is a complex construct, making it hard to
understand the underlying factors that contribute to it in an individual, what drives its
scores and predictive power. (Baddeley, Logie, Nimmo-Smith, & Brereton, 1985;
Tirre & Pena, 1992; Waters & Caplan, 1996). Our brains have a limited capacity to
process things mentally and when this limit is reached, they cannot effectively handle
any more mental tasks (Kahneman, 1973). Previous research shows a strong link
between memory span and reading rate for words, but these findings were based on
association across different materials, not individuals. This raises the crucial
question of whether individual variations in memory span are associated with other
aspects of memory performance, highlighting the need to investigate associations
across people, not just material (Baddeley et al., 1975). A research study has found
gender differences in memory, with women performing better in verbal tasks and
men in spatial tasks. However, women also demonstrate superior abilities in object
identification and specific spatial skills, contradicting traditional gender stereotypes
(Baer et al., 2006).
A study carried out showed that while men and women vary significantly in what they
remember, neither gender has a superior memory overall. The evidence is mixed,
with some studies suggesting women perform better, others suggesting men perform
better, and some finding no difference in accuracy between men and women
(Schweppe, 2006). Another study saying the same thing as before stated that
gender and memory found that information processing vary based on the individual,
their interests, and expectations, rather than gender. While women showed strengths
in recalling certain types of information, men performed well on others, showing that
memory is a deeper concept that cannot be reduced to simple gender-based
differences (Pauls et al., 2013).

Methodology

LOCATION: faculty of social science,department of psychology laboratory, university

of Lagos, Akoka.

RESEARCH DESIGN:
This practical adopted an experimental research design which is an approach that
involves manipulating variables using two sets of variables. One set acts as a
constant to measure differences in other sets (within subject design) the
INDEPENDENT VARIABLES MANIPULATED are stimuli (digits), presentation mode
visual (on screen),recall order. The DEPENDENT VARIABLE is each participant’s
memory span, Measured as the longest sequence they can accurately recall.

SAMPLING TECHNIQUE:
-non-repeated sampling technique: it is a technique which involves using a larger,
unique set of items on each trial rather than repeatedly presenting a small set of
items. This technique ensures that the results are not specific to the participant’s
items used and are more generalizable. It is also used to assess individual
differences in memory capacity and to measure the influence of various factors on
memory performance. Other sampling techniques are used which are; immediate
digit span and free recall task in the process.

RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS:
This research consisted of 20 participants (15 females, 5 males) students of
department of psychology,university of Lagos,100 level under group 2,batch B of
practical psychology (psy123) laboratory class.

RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS:
-A computer to take the memory span test
-A mouse
-A keyboard
-pen
-Recording sheet (to record the scores of both male and female)
-SPSS version 27, a laptop to computer the data in SPSS software for analysis.

PROCEDURES:
Experiments was carried out in the department of psychology laboratory in the
faculty of social sciences in the university of Lagos. The participants (21) of batch B
group 2 was given instructions by an expert on the memory span experiment. The
group representative was presented with a recording sheet and pen to record the
scores of each participant after they complete memory span test as they take turns,
as they are provided with a computer displaying the memory span task (items in a
picture form then digits)which are also know as stimulus, which was randomized
across participants,the participant is provided with two total trials, the items are
presented one by one on the screen at a rate of about 1 item per second
immediately after the list is presented, it asked the participants to record the items in
the correct order, after the participant recalls the list correctly, it increases the length
by 1 item for the next trial and it continues increasing the list length until the
participant makes an error. After the completion of the task, the group representative
will record the longest length the participant was able to recall correctly, that will be
the result of the participant’s memory span for that stimulus type (digits,items). The
same process is repeated for every participant.

DATA ANALYSIS:
The memory span for an experiment is used to measure the level of retention sex for
memory span for pictures and accuracy level (speed), influence on male and female.
An independent T-test was conducted to compare the memory span scores for
pictures between male and female participants using the SPSS software. An
independent t-test was also conducted to compare the influence of speed (accuracy
level) with numerical stimuli , digits on male and female participants.

Results

…….Diagrams……

Hypothesis 1
Memory span will be lower when participants are under a high cognitive load.

Interpretation
An Independent Samples Test was conducted to examine if memory span will be
lower when participants are under a high cognitive load. After the test was held it
was concluded that there was no significant difference to show for the memory span
of participants being lower while exerting intense mental effort. The scores for males
were; ( Mean- 5.00, S.D- 1.534). These scores reveal that females report an
insignificant lower score than males on the outcome of memory capacity while facing
heavy mental workload. Consequently, the hypothesis which stipulates that “memory
span will be lower when participants are under a high cognitive load” was rejected.

……..Diagrams……

Hypothesis 2
The memory span will be higher when participants are given a visual aid to support
memory.

Interpretation
An Independent T-test was used to determine whether the memory span will be
higher when participants are given a visual aid to support memory. The test
disclosed no significant difference. The scores for males were; ( Mean-4.3000,
S.D-0.83666) as for females they were; ( Mean- 3.9573, S.D-0.73028). These scores
show that females account an insignificant lower score than males. Therefore, the
hypothesis which states that “ the memory span will be higher when participants are
given a visual aid to support memory” was rejected.
Discussion

Memory span is a vital aspect of working memory, which plays a crucial role in
cognitive tasks such as learning and problem-solving. This study aimed to
investigate the relationship between learning speed and memory span, as well as
gender differences in memory span, using both digits and pictures.
An independence T-test was conducted to examine if "female will perform better in
memory span for pictures than males". In the result, no significance difference was
revealed (Pvalue -.635). In the score for female (mean - 3.9573, S.D - .73028) AND
in the score for male (mean - 4.300, S.D - .83666). This indicate that male will
perform better in memory span for pictures than female. At such we refute the
hypothesis which states that "Female will perform better in memory span for pictures
than males".
An independence T-test was also conducted to examine if There will be no
significant influence of speed on memory span of digit between male and female. In
the result, no significance difference was revealed (Pvalue -.442, F(18,5.908). At
such, the hypothesis which states that "There will be no signifcant influence of speed
on memory span of digit between male and female" was accepted.

In conclusion, this study highlights the complexity of memory span and its
relationship with cognitive load, visual aids, and learning speed. The findings
suggest that individual differences in memory span may be more substantial than the
differences between genders. Future research should focus on identifying specific
factors that influence memory span and exploring strategies to improve working
memory capacity.

Limitations.
The study's limitations include a small sample size and a limited range of memory
span tasks. Future studies should aim to recruit a larger and more diverse sample,
and employ a broader range of memory span tasks to provide a more
comprehensive understanding of memory span.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study investigated the relationship between learning speed and
memory span, as well as gender differences in memory span, using both digits and
pictures. While the results revealed no significant gender differences in memory
span for pictures, contrary to the initial hypothesis, they did suggest that individual
differences in memory span may be more substantial than gender differences. This
finding implies that cognitive abilities and memory capacity vary widely among
individuals, regardless of gender. Additionally, the study found no significant
influence of speed on memory span of digits between males and females, indicating
that processing speed does not necessarily impact memory performance. The
findings highlight the complexity of memory span and its relationship with cognitive
load, visual aids, and learning speed. Furthermore, they suggest that future research
should focus on identifying specific factors that influence memory span and exploring
strategies to improve working memory capacity, such as targeted training programs
or cognitive exercises. By better understanding the factors that influence memory
span and developing effective interventions, we can enhance cognitive abilities and
improve overall performance in various domains, including education and profession.

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