IE415 - Laboratory Experiment 4 - Short Term Memory Span 1
IE415 - Laboratory Experiment 4 - Short Term Memory Span 1
LABORATORY EXPERIMENT #4
I. OBJECTIVES
Students should be able to:
1. Understand the Miller’s Magic 7 Rule.
2. Recognize how short term memory works.
3. Apply the concept of chunking and rehearsing.
II. METHODOLOGIES
A. Subject Profile
In this short term memory span test, five participants were enlisted: Samantha T. Alinea,
Mike Gabriell M. Alo, Raphael Calalo, Nicolle Catral, and Erika Marinas. The group comprised
three females and two males, aged between 20 and 22, all classified as young adults. Presently,
these participants are in their third year of college, pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in
Industrial Engineering.
The purpose of conducting the Short-Term Memory Span test is to evaluate the capacity
of the human mind to temporarily hold and recall information of varying lengths, particularly
numeric sequences. By conducting this test, the researcher aims to uncover crucial insights into
how individuals process, store, and manipulate information in their short-term memory. This
assessment enables researchers to investigate the mechanisms underlying human memory and
cognitive functioning, specifically memory capacity, working memory functioning, individual
differences, and the effects of interventions.
Software Used:
C. Procedure
a. Individual Result
Table #1: 5
Seconds, 7 Max Number of Correctly Recalled List
Length, 5 Trials List
Average
Length Alinea, Alo, Mike Calalo, Catral, Mariñas,
Samantha Gabriell Raphael Nicolle Erika
5 5 5 5 4 5 4.8
6 4 5 5 5 5 4.8
7 2 4 5 3 2 3.2
6 5 5 5 5 5 5
7 3 5 4 5 5 4.4
8 3 1 4 3 2 2.6
9 0 0 3 0 1 0.80
10 1 1 0 0 0 0.40
6 4 5 4 4 4 4.2
7 4 4 3 4 5 4
8 4 4 5 2 3 3.6
6 5 4 5 4 5 4.6
7 3 4 4 3 5 3.8
8 1 1 5 0 5 2.4
9 0 1 3 1 5 2
10 0 1 2 0 1 0.8
11 0 0 1 0 1 0.4
Table #5: 10 Seconds, 10 Max List Length, 5 Trials
6 4 4 5 5 4 4.4
7 3 4 4 2 5 3.6
8 2 0 5 3 5 3
9 2 0 2 1 3 1.6
10 0 0 2 0 1 0.6
6 5 5 5 5 5 5
7 4 3 4 4 5 4
8 0 3 5 0 4 2.4
9 1 0 3 1 3 1.6
10 0 0 1 0 1 0.4
11 0 0 0 0 3 0.6
12 0 0 0 0 0 0
13 0 0 0 0 1 0.2
2. Data Analysis
Method 1: Regression Analysis (Relationship between List Length and Number of Correctly Recalled)
SET 1 - List Length and Average Number of Correctly Recalled within 5 Seconds
Null Hypothesis
H0’: α = 0
H0’’: β = 0
Alternative Hypothesis
H1’: α ≠ 0
H2’’: β ≠ 0
Step 3: Computation
Step 4: Decision
Significance F test
Significance F = 0.08
α = 0.05
Significance F > α , thus, Accept H0, all regression coefficients are equal to zero
P value < α, thus, Reject H0, the regression model is statistically significant.
P value < α, thus, Accept H0, the number of correctly recalled is not statistically
significant.
SET 2 - List Length and Average Number of Correctly Recalled within 7 Seconds
Null Hypothesis
H0’: α = 0
H0’’: β = 0
Alternative Hypothesis
H1’: α ≠ 0
H2’’: β ≠ 0
Step 3: Computation
Step 4: Decision
Significance F test
Significance F = 2.43119E-06
α = 0.05
Significance F < α , thus, Reject H0, at least one regression coefficient is not equal to
zero
P value < α, thus, Reject H0, the regression model is statistically significant.
P value < α, thus, Reject H0, the number of correctly recalled is statistically significant.
SET 3 - List Length and Average Number of Correctly Recalled within 10 Seconds
Table 9. Summary of List Length and Average Number of Correctly Recalled within 10 Seconds
Null Hypothesis
H0’: α = 0
H0’’: β = 0
Alternative Hypothesis
H1’: α ≠ 0
H2’’: β ≠ 0
Step 3: Computation
Step 4: Decision
Significance F test
Significance F = 1.42168E-08
α = 0.05
Significance F < α , thus, Reject H0, at least one regression coefficient is not equal to
zero
P value < α, thus, Reject H0, the regression model is statistically significant.
P value < α, thus, Reject H0, the number of correctly recalled is statistically significant.
SET 2 - Gender and Number of Correctly Recalled per List Length within 7 seconds
SET 3 - Gender and Number of Correctly Recalled per List Length within 7 seconds
Gende Number of Correctly Recalled per List Length
r 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Male 5 4.75 3.75 3.25 1.25 0.75 0 0 0
Femal 4.66666 3.83333 1.83333 0.33333333
5 2.333333 0.333333 1 0
e 7 3 3 3
Table 12. Summary of Gender and Correctly Recalled per List Length within 10 Seconds
3. Discussion of Results
SET 1 - List Length and Average Number of Correctly Recalled within 5 Seconds
Figure 1. Regression Analysis of List Length and Average Number of Correctly Recalled within 5 Seconds in Microsoft Excel
Regression Statistics
Number of Correctly
Recalled Line Fit Plot
15
List Length
List Length
10
Predicted List Length
5
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Number of Correctly Recalled
0
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
-2
-3
Number of Correctly Recalled
The R Square value (also called as Coefficient of Determination) of 0.3805 indicates that the
model explains 38.05% of the variability in the dependent variable. Since this value is relatively low, it
suggests that the model has a poor fit to the data. In other words, a significant portion of the variability
in the dependent variable remains unexplained by the independent variables included in the model. The
visual representation in Figure 2 confirms this, as the data points are noticeably far from the x-axis.
(Statistics How To, 2024)
Significance F
The significance F of 0.0768 is greater than the alpha of 0.05, suggesting to Accept H0, all
regression coefficients are equal to zero. In other words, the regression model as a whole may not have a
significant effect on the dependent variable. The model may not adequately capture the relationship
between the List Length and Number of Correctly Recalled Residual Plot within 5 seconds.
Coefficients
Following the formula of y = a + bx:
y = 8.7235 - 0.6255x
Where a = intercept and b = number of correctly recalled
The P value of Number of Correctly Recalled has a value of 0.0768 which is greater than
the α = 0.05 leading to Accepting H0 wherein the β = 0. In other words, Number of Correctly
Recalled within 5 seconds does not have a significant relationship with the list length
(independent variable). With this, the respondents do not pose a challenge in holding the memory
within 5 to 10 list length within a 5 seconds of time period. This finding aligns with Miller's idea
that people can typically remember around seven plus or minus two items within a short time
interval. (Bobbitt, 2022; Guy-Evans, 2023)
SET 2 - List Length and Average Number of Correctly Recalled within 7 Seconds
Figure 4. Regression Analysis of List Length and Average Number of Correctly Recalled within 7 Seconds in Microsoft Excel
Regression Statistics
Number of Correctly
Recalled Line Fit Plot
15
List Length
List Length
10
Predicted List Length
5
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Number of Correctly Recalled
In Figure 2, the multiple R is shown to be 0.9613. This value indicates a highly significant
relationship between the independent and dependent variables. With a multiple R of 0.9613, around
96.13% of the variation in the dependent variable can be explained by the independent variables in the
model. Thus, there exists a very strong connection between these variables. This very strong relationship
is visually apparent in Figure 2, where the observed data points tightly cluster closely around the
regression line, demonstrating the strong association between list length and the number of correctly
recalled items within 7 seconds. (Jawlik, 2016)
The R Square value, also known as the Coefficient of Determination, is 0.9242, showing that the
model explains 92.42% of the changes in the dependent variable. With this high value, close to 100%, it
indicates a nearly perfect fit to the data. This means the model can accurately predict how the dependent
variable varies based on the independent variables included. This conclusion is supported by Figure 2,
where data points cluster closely around the x-axis. (Statistics How To, 2024)
Significance F
The F statistic value of 2.43119E-06 is lower than the significance level of 0.05, indicating that
we reject the null hypothesis. This means that at least one regression coefficient is not zero, suggesting
that the regression model as a whole has a significant impact on the dependent variable. Thus, the model
effectively captures the relationship between List Length and the Number of Correctly Recalled
Residual Plot.
Coefficients
Following the formula of y = a + bx:
y = 11.3238 - 1.2092x
Where a = intercept and b = number of correctly recalled
As noticed, the coefficient of the Number of Correctly Recalled variable is negative. This
indicates that as the independent variable increases, the dependent variable—the one being predicted—
decreases. This suggests an inverse relationship between the number of correctly recalled items and the
outcome variable.
P-Test
The p-value of the overall model, which is 4.92562E-10, is lower than the chosen
significance level of α= 0.05. This indicates that we reject the null hypothesis (H0) where the
intercept is statistically different from zero. Consequently, we conclude that the regression model
is statistically significant. Therefore, at least one of the independent variables in the model may
have a statistically significant effect on the dependent variable. (Bobbitt, 2022)
SET 3 - List Length and Average Number of Correctly Recalled within 10 Seconds
Figure 7. Regression Analysis of List Length and Average Number of Correctly Recalled within 7 Seconds in Microsoft Excel
Regression Statistics
10
Predicted List Length
5
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Number of Correctly Recalled
Residuals
0
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
-2
Number of Correctly Recalled
The R-squared value, also known as the Coefficient of Determination, is 0.9219. This means that
the model explains 92.19% of the changes in the dependent variable. Since this is quite close to 100%, it
shows a nearly perfect match with the data. This indicates that the model can accurately predict how the
dependent variable changes based on the included independent variables. Figure 2 supports this, as the
data points are closely grouped around the x-axis. (Statistics How To, 2024)
Significance F
The F statistic value of 1.42168E-08 falls below the significance level of 0.05, leading us to
reject the null hypothesis. This indicates that at least one regression coefficient is non-zero, implying
that the regression model as a whole significantly influences the dependent variable. Consequently, the
model captures the relationship between List Length and the Number of Correctly Recalled Residual
Plot within 10 seconds.
Coefficients
Following the formula of y = a + bx:
y = 11.5056 - 1.2455x
Where a = intercept and b = number of correctly recalled
It has been observed that the coefficient of the Number of Correctly Recalled variable is
negative. This implies that as the independent variable increases, the dependent variable — the one
being predicted — decreases. This suggests there is an inverse relationship between the number of
correctly recalled items and the outcome variable.
P-Test
The p-value of the overall model, calculated to be 1.50315E-14, is less than the selected
significance level of α= 0.05. This suggests that we reject the null hypothesis (H0) where the
intercept is statistically different from zero. As a result, we determine that the regression model
is statistically significant. Therefore, it can be concluded that at least one of the independent
variables in the model may have a statistically significant effect on the dependent variable.
(Bobbitt, 2022)
The p-value for the Number of Correctly Recalled variable is 1.42168E-08, which
exceeds the α level of 0.05. Thus, we reject the null hypothesis (H0), indicating that the
coefficient for this variable is not equal to zero. In simpler terms, this means that there is a
significant relationship between the number of correctly recalled items within 5 seconds and the
list length (independent variable). It suggests that participants face challenges in retaining
information, particularly when the list length reaches a maximum of 13 numbers having a longer
time interval of 10 seconds. This finding supports Miller’s Magic Seven theory, which suggests
that individuals struggle to recall information when the list length exceeds 9 items as well as
there is a longer wait time. Therefore, the results imply that participants may experience
difficulty recalling numbers when the list length and time period surpasses the threshold.
(Bobbitt, 2022; Ferster, 2017)
SET 1 SET 3
SET 2
List Length (5-9) List Length (5-13)
List Length (5-11) and
and Average and Average
Average Number of
Number of Number of
Correctly Recalled
Correctly Recalled Correctly Recalled
within 7 Seconds
within 5 Seconds within 10 Seconds
R Square 0.3805 (Poor Fit) 0.9242 (Good fit) 0.9219 (Good fit)
Significance F 0.0768 (Accept H0) 2.43E -06 (Reject H0) 1.42E-08 (Reject H0)
In summary, Set 1 findings support Miller’s Magic 7 theory, indicating that participants
typically store and recall information within the range of 5 to 9 items. However, Sets 2 and 3
reveal that participants experienced difficulty recalling number sequences when the list lengths
exceeded 9 numbers, consistent with Miller’s Magic 7 concept. Moreover, as the time period
increases, it poses a challenge to participants in recalling the sequence. Thus, having maximum
list length of 11 and 13 with 7 and 10 seconds time intervals, respectively significantly affect the
respondents memory making them difficult to store and recall their memory.
Based on the data presented in Table 2, males exhibit greater proficiency in recalling
information when the list length ranges from 5 to 9 items within a 5-second time frame, as well
as when the list length ranges from 5 to 11 items within a 7-second time frame. However,
females demonstrate superior retention capabilities when the list length extends from 5 to 13
items within a 10-second time frame.
IV. QUESTIONS:
1. What the laboratory results suggest about memory span in relation to time and length of
information?
The laboratory results suggest that memory span is influenced by both the time available for
recall and the length of the information being processed. Specifically, the findings indicate that
participants tend to recall information more effectively when they are given shorter time intervals
and when the length of the information falls within a certain range. For example, within a 5-second
time frame, participants demonstrate better recall when the list length ranges from 5 to 9 items,
aligning with Miller's Magic Seven theory. However, as the time frame extends or the length of the
information exceeds this optimal range, participants' ability to recall diminishes. This suggests that
memory span is finite and can be influenced by the interaction between time constraints and the
complexity of the information being processed.
2. Did each of the members of the groups experienced the process of chunking? Explain.
Each member of the groups likely experienced chunking. Chunking means grouping
information together to make it easier to remember. By putting the numbers into groups, the
participants made it simpler to store and recall the information efficiently. This way of organizing
information helps reduce the mental effort needed and makes remembering easier. Chunking is a
common strategy people use to improve their memory in different situations.
3. How Miller’s rule was applied? Can you share that experience.
Miller's rule suggests that people can typically remember around 7 plus or minus 2 items. In
my experience, I found it challenging to memorize a list of 13 numbers, which exceeds this range.
To make it easier to remember, I employed a strategy called chunking. Chunking involves breaking
down information into smaller, more manageable groups, which can enhance memory retention. By
chunking the data, I effectively organized and grouped the numbers, making it easier to store and
recall. This strategy likely helped me navigate the difficulty of memorizing a longer list of numbers.
However, most of the time, I failed to memorize a list exceeding 9 numbers.
4. Suggest ways one can improve his/her memory in relation to this activity.
One effective way is through repetition. By practicing recalling the information multiple
times, you reinforce the memory and make it easier to retrieve later. Another helpful strategy is
chunking, which involves breaking the information into smaller, more manageable chunks. This
can help you remember longer lists of numbers by organizing them into smaller groups.
The Short-Term Memory Span test serves as a valuable tool for assessing the human mind's
ability to temporarily hold and recall information, particularly numeric sequences. Through this test,
researchers gain insights into how individuals process, store, and manipulate information in their
short-term memory. This evaluation allows for the exploration of various aspects of human memory
and cognitive functioning, including memory capacity, working memory processes, individual
differences, and the impact of interventions.
The findings from Set 1 support Miller’s Magic 7 theory, suggesting that individuals typically
store and recall information within the range of 5 to 9 items. However, Sets 2 and 3 reveal
challenges in recalling number sequences when the list lengths exceed 9 numbers, consistent with
Miller’s Magic 7 concept. Additionally, as the time period increases, participants encounter greater
difficulty in recalling the sequence. Therefore, maximum list lengths of 11 and 13 with 7 and 10-
second time intervals significantly affect respondents' memory, making it challenging to store and
recall information effectively.
Moreover, males demonstrate greater proficiency in recalling information when the list length
ranges from 5 to 9 items within a 5-second time frame, as well as when the list length extends to 11
items within a 7-second time frame. Conversely, females exhibit superior retention capabilities when
the list length extends from 5 to 13 items within a 10-second time frame.
In conclusion, the Short-Term Memory Span test provides valuable insights into human memory
processes. To enhance memory recall, individuals can employ strategies such as chunking,
repetition, and mnemonic devices. Additionally, understanding gender differences in memory recall
proficiency can inform tailored interventions to improve memory performance. Overall, these
findings contribute to our understanding of human memory functioning and provide practical
implications for memory enhancement strategies.
VI. INDIVIDUAL LEARNING POINT (how it can be applied to daily lives and industrial work
setup)
The Short-Term Memory Span test has provided me with invaluable insights into the
workings of memory and practical strategies for improving memory recall. This reflection
explores my learnings from the test and how they can be applied to daily life and industrial work
settings.
One of the key concepts illuminated by the test is chunking, a technique that involves
grouping information to facilitate memory recall. Chunking is a powerful tool that can be applied
to various aspects of daily life, such as remembering phone numbers, addresses, or shopping
lists. By breaking down information into smaller, more manageable chunks, I can improve my
memory recall and streamline everyday tasks.
The test also underscored the importance of repetition in memory retention. Regular
practice of memory exercises strengthens memory recall abilities and enhances learning
outcomes. Whether studying for exams, acquiring new skills, or memorizing information,
incorporating repetition into my learning routine can lead to better retention and comprehension.
In industrial work environments, memory plays a critical role in tasks ranging from
recalling safety procedures to remembering technical information. By sharing memory strategies
with colleagues, I can contribute to improved productivity and efficiency in the workplace. For
instance, teaching chunking techniques can aid team members in retaining complex procedures
or protocols, thereby enhancing workplace safety and performance.
Participating in the Short-Term Memory Span test has been a transformative experience,
shedding light on the intricacies of memory functioning and offering practical avenues for
improvement. By applying memory-enhancing strategies in daily life and sharing these
techniques with others in industrial settings, I can contribute to enhanced learning outcomes,
increased productivity, and a safer work environment. Ultimately, this test has underscored the
importance of memory in our lives and highlighted the potential for applying memory strategies
to achieve personal and professional success.
VII. APPENDICES
a. Raw Data Screenshots
Alinea, Samantha T.
Set 1 Set 3
Set 2 Set 4
Set 5 Set 6
b. References Used
Set 5 Set 6
Calalo, Raphael
Set 1 Set 2
Set 3 Set 4
Set 5 Set 6
Set 5 Set 6
Marinas, Erika
Set 1 Set 2
Set 3 Set 4
Set 5 Set 6
Alinea, Samantha T. Alo, Mike Gabriell
Marinas, Erika
c. References Used
The Correlation Coefficient (r). (n.d.).
https://sphweb.bumc.bu.edu/otlt/MPH-Modules/PH717-QuantCore/PH717-
Module9-Correlation-Regression/PH717-Module9-Correlation-Regression4.html
https://www.linkedin.com/advice/0/how-do-you-interpret-r-squared-regression-
analysis#:~:text=Generally%2C%20R%2Dsquared%20values%20range,the
%20independent%20variable(s).
Minitab Blog Editor. (n.d.). Regression analysis: How do I interpret R-squared and
2/regression-analysis-how-do-i-interpret-r-squared-and-assess-the-goodness-of-fit
https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/data-science/regression-analysis/
#:~:text=Regression%20analysis%20is%20a%20set,the%20future
%20relationship%20between%20them.
Jawlik, A. A. (2016). r, Multiple R, r2, R2, R Square, R2Adjusted. In John Wiley & Sons,
Mcleod, S., PhD. (2023). Short-Term Memory In Psychology: Types, Duration &
memory.html
Ferster, B. (2021, May 12). The magical number seven, plus or minus two. eLearning
Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/magical-number-seven-plus-minus-two-
memory-affects-the-perception-of-information