Memory Recall

The total number of participants for this study was 15. The convenient sampling method was used in order to gather data. The design of the study is within subjects using paired sample T-test. Two different span lists were given to participants, one for digits and one for words. 
Each participant was read a span of digits by the researcher and the memory span was measured. In regards to the number x digits, each word was assigned to a particular number. The participant was asked to stop when, if they missed 3 consecutive digits or words in a row. The span of the words varied from 4 to 12 words. 
The mean for the digits was found to be 6.87, the standard deviation at 0.99 and degrees of freedom was set at 14 and the t equaling 1.468. The mean for the words was found to be 6.47, the standard deviation at 1.18 and degrees of freedom was set at 14 with the t equaling 1.468.
A paired sample t-test was used to analyze data and a 95% confidence interval was used to measure the difference. The sig was found to be 0.164. The t-test revealed that there was no significant difference between the digit span and word span conditions, t(14)=1.468, p=.164. 

RESULTS:

Findings from this study indicate that digits are not less or more difficult to recall than words. The small difference in the recall of digits may be due to the fact that we have the natural propensity to observe more numbers in our daily lives that also requires us to remember them for practical reasons (i.e. phone numbers, addresses, etc). In general the finding were not statistically significant.