DIGIT SPAN EXPERIMENT

PSY351 EXP 1

DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY
YUGANSH PARIKH 2030175
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Digit Span Experiment

Expt No: 1
Date of Conduction: 25/08/21

Introduction
One of the most used instruments for assessing verbal working memory is the Digit Sequencing
or Digit Span test. The exam was created as part of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale to assess
working memory and attention. The examiner usually speaks a series of numbers to the
participant, who then repeats them until an erroneous response is given (Blackburn, 1957). Digit
span reveals why it's associated more with verbal ability than short-term memory alone.
Scientists refer to short-term memory, or working memory, as the cognitive system that allows
the temporary storage and manipulation of information. The Digit Sequencing test can be given
backwards, requiring the participant to repeat the digits in the opposite order. This variation asks
the participant to keep the digits in their working memory for a longer period of time. As a result,
it's thought that the capacity to do well on this harder activity is connected to general
intelligence.

Digit span is measured for forward and reverse-order (backward) recall of digit sequences. Digit
sequences are presented beginning with a length of two digits and two trials are presented at each
increasing list length. Testing ceases when the subject fails to accurately report either trial at one
sequence length or when the maximal list length is reached (9 digits forward, 8 backward). The
total number of lists reported correctly is combined across forward span (FS) and backward span
(BS) to produce a Wechsler total correct score.
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Method

Aim
To assess the participant's forward memory span.
Plan
To administer the Digit Span Test using PEBL Software on the participant to assess their
forward memory span.
Hypotheses
● The time taken by the participant will increase as the digit span increases.
● The errors made by the participant will increase as the digit span increases.
● The participants’ memory span is not significantly deviant from that of the group
(optional)

Digit Span on PEBL

The Digit Span test on PEBL is a memory test that uses a string of digits to assess memory span.
The participant is given instructions at the start of the test and is instructed to pay attention and
memorize a series of numerals delivered one at a time. At the same time, the numerals are visibly
and audibly displayed. To put it another way, a succession of digits is flashed on the screen and
shouted out at a rate of around 0.5 seconds each number. The participant must remember and
input the numerals in the right sequence. If they can't recall a certain digit in the sequence, they
should put a - sign in its stead. After inputting the whole string of numbers, the response is
evaluated by flashing the word and shouting out correct or wrong. The exam starts with a string
of eight digits and progresses higher until the participant fails a level. Each level requires the
accurate replication of two strings of the same length. The test is stopped if the individual fails
three tries at the same level. A string of ten digits is used at the highest level. The number of
numbers accurately recalled represents the participant's memory span.

Procedure
After the initial formalities of establishing rapport and setting the stage for the
psychological assessment, the following details of the subject are recorded.
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Initials: Y.P
Age: 19 years
Gender: Male
Educational qualification: Undergraduate pursuing a degree in BA.
The participant is seated facing the computer and the test is initiated. The following
instructions are flashed on the screen at the beginning of the test.

Instructions
You are about to take part in a memory test. You will be presented with a sequence of
digits, one at a time on the screen. Each digit will occur only once during a list. You can ask to
type the list of digits ―EXACTLY THE ORDER YOU SAW THEM IN. If you find it difficult
to remember the digit which comes next, you can skip over it by typing the “-” key. Try to put
the numbers you saw in the original list positions. If you make a mistake, you can use the three
different lists at each length. If you are able to recall two out of three lists completely correctly,
you will move on to the next level list.

Precautions

 The exam takes place in a calm, distraction-free setting

Analysis of results
At the completion of the exam, the subject's memory span and the time it took them to complete
the test are displayed on the screen. It's also available via the data archive.
Calculate the total time taken for the trials of each span: 3830 milliseconds
Calculate the total errors made for the trials of each span: 3
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Results
Table 1

Descriptives
  correct resptime
N 12 12
Missing 1 1
Mean 0.750 3198
Sum 9 38380
Minimum 0 1953
Maximum 1 5341

Introspective report
The Participant followed all the instructions provided on the PEBL platform and
proceeded with the experiment. Initially it took some time for the participants to get used
to the format of the test but after initial tries it was easy to understand and the test was
performed smoothly. The participants made some errors as the number of digits in the
test increased therefore the participant could not place them in order.

Discussion
The subject's experience with computer response devices, as well as motor or executive
control processes, impact manual replies. Furthermore, looking for digits on a keyboard or
computer screen necessitates visuospatial attention, which might interfere with the iconic
representations of visually displayed lists. The subject's experience with computer response
devices, as well as motor or executive control processes, impact manual replies. Furthermore,
looking for digits on a keyboard or computer screen necessitates visuospatial attention, which
might interfere with the iconic representations of visually displayed lists.
Implications/ Recommendations
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The digit span test, involves the participants recollection skills which could be applied in
day-to-day life as participants are often required to remember and recollect certain tasks and
activities
Limitations
The time given by the PEBL software was insufficient for the participant to answer
quickly
Conclusion
As the digit spread rises, the time it takes the participant to complete the task will
increase, as will the number of errors he or she makes. The individuals' memory span does not
differ considerably from the groups.
References

 Mueller, S. T., & Piper, B. J. (2014). The Psychology Experiment Building Language
(PEBL) and PEBL Test Battery. Journal of neuroscience methods (222), 250–259.
 Mueller, S. T. (2012). The Psychology Experiment Building Language, Version 0.13.
Retrieved from http://pebl.sourceforge.net

The jamovi project (2021). jamovi. (Version 1.8) [Computer Software]. Retrieved from
https://www.jamovi.org.

R Core Team (2021). R: A Language and environment for statistical computing. (Version
4.0) [Computer software]. Retrieved from https://cran.r-project.org. (R packages
retrieved from MRAN snapshot 2021-04-01).