M4: Task 2 on False Memory and Serial-Positioning Effect-Memory Chapter
Test: Step-by-Step
For this task I was able to sit them down in a quiet environment where they could be focused and prepared for the test. Prior to the test I had each individual grab a note card and pencil and be ready for the test.
First I told them to listen to the list of words I was about to read, and then once I was done, to write down as many as they could remember.
This was the list I read: thread, pin, eye, injection ,syringe, sewing, sharp, point, hurt, knitting, prick, thimble, haystack, pain
These are their lists:
Once they had written down as many of the words as they could remember, I told them to listen to a second list and again, remember as many words as possible.
This is the second list I read: Bed, Drowse, Awake, Nurse, Tired, Sick, Dream, Lawyer, Wake, Medicine, Snooze, Health, Snore, Rest, Dentist, Blanket, Physician, Doze, Patient, Slumber, Stethoscope, Nap, Curse, Peace, Clinic, Yawn, Surgeon
These are their lists:
I then re-read the lists to see which words were remembered and how many they could actually remember.
Results
The results were very interesting. Even though neither participant could remember every word on the list, a pattern was present in the test. Both test takers were able to remember the first and last words said in each of the lists. This proves the "primacy" and "recency" affect. Both myself and the participants found this very interesting, but after thinking about it, it made sense on why we would remember those certain words.
On the other side, the words in the middle were not well remembered, due to the fact that they were in the middle and everything was so hectic as they were trying to remember the words.
Another pattern was that both people tended to put words like "needle" and "sleep" and "doctor" even though the words were not said. This proves the false memory affect. Many adjectives were listed of those words and our minds tend to relate things together and that is why both people wrote down those words.
For the test takers, they learned from the test that their short term memory was not the best, but I learned a little bit more. I related it to giving a presentation. If I was to inform a person or a group, I now want to make sure my main points are right at the beginning or the end, because that is what people will remember the most. That way I can get my point across and walk away from the presentation knowing my audience will remember it.
Overall I enjoyed this test and will try it again on more people, like my family, to see how well their memory is and to see if the same patterns are still present.
(Testers wanted to remain anonymous, therefore their names are not mentioned.)
For this task I was able to sit them down in a quiet environment where they could be focused and prepared for the test. Prior to the test I had each individual grab a note card and pencil and be ready for the test.
First I told them to listen to the list of words I was about to read, and then once I was done, to write down as many as they could remember.
This was the list I read: thread, pin, eye, injection ,syringe, sewing, sharp, point, hurt, knitting, prick, thimble, haystack, pain
These are their lists:
Once they had written down as many of the words as they could remember, I told them to listen to a second list and again, remember as many words as possible.
This is the second list I read: Bed, Drowse, Awake, Nurse, Tired, Sick, Dream, Lawyer, Wake, Medicine, Snooze, Health, Snore, Rest, Dentist, Blanket, Physician, Doze, Patient, Slumber, Stethoscope, Nap, Curse, Peace, Clinic, Yawn, Surgeon
These are their lists:
I then re-read the lists to see which words were remembered and how many they could actually remember.
Results
The results were very interesting. Even though neither participant could remember every word on the list, a pattern was present in the test. Both test takers were able to remember the first and last words said in each of the lists. This proves the "primacy" and "recency" affect. Both myself and the participants found this very interesting, but after thinking about it, it made sense on why we would remember those certain words.
On the other side, the words in the middle were not well remembered, due to the fact that they were in the middle and everything was so hectic as they were trying to remember the words.
Another pattern was that both people tended to put words like "needle" and "sleep" and "doctor" even though the words were not said. This proves the false memory affect. Many adjectives were listed of those words and our minds tend to relate things together and that is why both people wrote down those words.
For the test takers, they learned from the test that their short term memory was not the best, but I learned a little bit more. I related it to giving a presentation. If I was to inform a person or a group, I now want to make sure my main points are right at the beginning or the end, because that is what people will remember the most. That way I can get my point across and walk away from the presentation knowing my audience will remember it.
Overall I enjoyed this test and will try it again on more people, like my family, to see how well their memory is and to see if the same patterns are still present.
(Testers wanted to remain anonymous, therefore their names are not mentioned.)
Hey Brandon! I also chose to do this test as my task and your participants results were much better than what I got. I find it really interesting that your participants both wrote the words "needle" and "doctor" because neither of them were in the original lists. It's awesome that you learned to take something else from this test and I hope your next presentation is a success!
ReplyDeleteI too chose this task and I got the same results with them writing needle and doctor. Its really weird how our brain does this. I like the picture you included. I didnt think to do that for mine!!
ReplyDelete