Week 2- Memory Tests
This week, I tested my brain's memory by taking three different memory tests.
The first memory test measured the maximum amount of numbers that I could memorize within 10 seconds. I was able to correctly memorize 10 digits before failing, which was above the average of 7 digits. I think that this test is valid. One reason for this is because I did not see any numerical patterns or instances where there were repeated numbers adjacent to each other. If the tester could recognize numerical patterns or repetitions that show up by chance, then an unrealistic score could be attained.
The second memory test that I did tested the ability to recognize details of an everyday object. I was presented with twelve different pennies, and I had to choose the correct penny. I successfully matched the correct penny, but only because there were some problems with this memory test. The correct answer was penny "A," which lay on the top left hand corner of the 4 by 3 grid of different pennies. If someone had to guess randomly, they would be inclined to choose penny "A" because of its placement and its assigned letter. Therefore, many people who don't recognize the details of a penny will have greater than 1/12 chance of guessing correctly. Also, I rarely see or use pennies in my everyday life, so I would not consider it an everyday object.
The third memory test made me study a face and then construct it using given pieces. I was not able to construct all 10 parts of the face correctly. I would miss on average two pieces of the face each time. I think that this test is pretty valid because it can distinguish between those who can memorize faces easily and those who find it more difficult. Adding a timer would make this test even more valid.
The interesting article below talks about the affects of age on memory skills if you want to read more about memory.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/how-memory-and-thinking-ability-change-with-age
The first memory test measured the maximum amount of numbers that I could memorize within 10 seconds. I was able to correctly memorize 10 digits before failing, which was above the average of 7 digits. I think that this test is valid. One reason for this is because I did not see any numerical patterns or instances where there were repeated numbers adjacent to each other. If the tester could recognize numerical patterns or repetitions that show up by chance, then an unrealistic score could be attained.
The second memory test that I did tested the ability to recognize details of an everyday object. I was presented with twelve different pennies, and I had to choose the correct penny. I successfully matched the correct penny, but only because there were some problems with this memory test. The correct answer was penny "A," which lay on the top left hand corner of the 4 by 3 grid of different pennies. If someone had to guess randomly, they would be inclined to choose penny "A" because of its placement and its assigned letter. Therefore, many people who don't recognize the details of a penny will have greater than 1/12 chance of guessing correctly. Also, I rarely see or use pennies in my everyday life, so I would not consider it an everyday object.
The third memory test made me study a face and then construct it using given pieces. I was not able to construct all 10 parts of the face correctly. I would miss on average two pieces of the face each time. I think that this test is pretty valid because it can distinguish between those who can memorize faces easily and those who find it more difficult. Adding a timer would make this test even more valid.
The interesting article below talks about the affects of age on memory skills if you want to read more about memory.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/how-memory-and-thinking-ability-change-with-age
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