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Digit Span Activity

The digit span memory test measures an individual's working memory capacity through forward and backward digit recall tasks. In the forward digit span, participants repeat a series of random digits in the order presented, while the backward digit span requires recalling digits in reverse order, testing executive function in addition to memory. The test administrator records the longest digit string accurately recalled in each direction. Scores are converted to standardized scores indicating the individual's performance relative to age-matched norms, with higher scores reflecting better working memory.

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Prisha Jain
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620 views3 pages

Digit Span Activity

The digit span memory test measures an individual's working memory capacity through forward and backward digit recall tasks. In the forward digit span, participants repeat a series of random digits in the order presented, while the backward digit span requires recalling digits in reverse order, testing executive function in addition to memory. The test administrator records the longest digit string accurately recalled in each direction. Scores are converted to standardized scores indicating the individual's performance relative to age-matched norms, with higher scores reflecting better working memory.

Uploaded by

Prisha Jain
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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DIGIT SPAN MEMORY TEST

Aim:
To measure working memory's number storage capacity of an individual with the help of
a digit-span task.

Introduction:
This section needs to be written by students after looking for information on the internet
or any other valid sources(Textbooks).

You can include the following points:


- What is memory?
- Types of memory in brief
- Digit span memory test

** This section can be 1-2 sides of a page

Basic Information:
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Class:

Materials Required:
Pencil/Pen
Eraser
Norms of Digit Span Memory Test (2004)
Digit Span Memory Test (2004)

Brief description of the test:


Digit Span (DGS) is a measure of verbal short term and working memory that can be
used in two formats, Forward Digit Span and Reverse Digit Span. This is a verbal task,
with stimuli presented auditorily, and responses spoken by the participant and scored by
the administrator. Participants are presented with a random series of digits, and are asked
to repeat them in either the order presented (forward span) or in reverse order (backwards
span).
The test consists of 8 digit forward double trials and 7 digit backward double trials. While
superficially very similar tasks, forward and backwards span rely on somewhat separable
cognitive capacities: the simpler forward span task requires verbal working memory and
attention, while the backwards span task additionally tests cognitive control and
executive function.
Procedure:
A rapport is established with the subject. Once the subject comfortably settles down
he/she is then explained the purpose of conducting this test. Care is taken to see that the
table is cleared of any distraction and the subject is willing to do the test. The participant
is then asked their demographic information and the same is written in the inventory. The
digit span test is conducted to measure verbal short term and working memory of the
participant. The following instructions are given:
Digit Forward
“Listen carefully as I say some numbers. When I finish, you have to repeat them.”
For example, I say the numbers 1, 3, you have to repeat them again. Another example
would be, if I say 7, 9, 2, you repeat it in the same order.
Digit Backward
“Repeat these numbers after me but this time I want you to say them backwards.”
For example, I say the numbers 1, 3, you have to repeat them again in backward manner
i.e. 3, 1. Another example would be, if I say the numbers 7, 9, 2, you repeat it in the
backward manner i.e. 2, 9, 7.
The administrator recites the digits in an even monotone without any variation in pitch of
voice.

Scoring:
There are two trials per digit string in digit forward and digit backward. The participant is
expected to get either both the trials or one trial correct to progress to the next digit string.
If the participant gets both the trials incorrect then the digit forward or digit backward
activity stops. The scoring is then done by summing the total number of items/trials
correctly repeated forwards as well as backward.

For the final score the total number managed (ticks) backwards and forwards added
together. This raw score is then converted to a standard score/ a z-score, which refers to
the position of an observation above or below a distribution mean. This can also be then
expressed as a percentile equivalent which indicates the rank of the student compared to
others the same age or grade.

Precautions
- Care is taken to see that the participant understood the instructions.
- Care is taken to see that distractions are minimized.
- Care is taken to see that the participant is in a calm and comfortable state.
- Care is taken to see that the time taken is not too much.
Discussion
The total Digit Span raw score, which is based on the sum of the Digits Forward and
Digits Backward raw scores (i.e., total number of items/lists correctly repeated) can be
converted to a scaled score, which is an age-based, norm-referenced score for each
subject, based on a mean of 10 and SD of 3 in the large

Interpretation
Write your interpretation of the total score of Digit forward and Digit backward.
Talk about which percentile rank category does the participant fall under and what
it means. Include any observations you had during the test conduction and any
other factors which you think might have affected the participants' scores.
(6-7 lines)

Conclusion
My participant ______ (mention name, age and gender; eg. 16 year old male), he/she
obtained the total digit forwards and digit backward score of _______. His/Her raw score
was converted to standard score, which is ______ and he/she falls under _________
percentile.

Reference
- Class 12 psychology textbook (You can refer to this book)
- Mention other references you use to write your introduction section

*ATTACH THE DIGIT SPAN FORM AT THE END

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