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Simple Short Term Memorization

This study explores simple short-term memory, comparing the memorization of words and numbers. The hypothesis is that words are easier to memorize than numbers. The results show that people can memorize lists of words faster than lists of numbers. The experiment involved tests with different subjects memorizing 3-digit numbers and 5-6 letter words in a short study period. Mathematical analysis was conducted with separation of variables to determine the memorization patterns. The study concludes that words are indeed easier to memorize, citing patterns, relationships, and rhyming as contributing factors.

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Simple Short Term Memorization

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  1. Simple Short Term Memorization Austin Nelson, Ian Husted, Jeremy Cooper

  2. Introduction • Memory: the faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information • Differential equation models simple short term memory • Goal: Perform an experiment comparing the ease of memorization of words and numbers

  3. Hypothesis: It will be easier to memorize lists of words, as opposed to lists of numbers • Results: People can memorize lists of words faster than they can memorize lists of numbers

  4. Experiment • 3 different tests, each with 3 test subjects • 3-digit numbers • 5-letter words • 6-letter words • 1 minute study time • Maximum of 10 trials • Order mattered

  5. Mathematical Analysis • Separation of variables

  6. Solving for A • Initial condition: L(0)=0

  7. Solving for k

  8. Results 1

  9. Results 2

  10. Results 3

  11. The k Parameter • lim k  -∞ • e term goes to 0 • At any t value, you have 100% of list memorized • The more negative the k value, the faster one can memorized

  12. L = 0.25 and t = 1 k = -.2877

  13. Average k values Subject A Subject B Subject C 5 Letter Words -0.2429 -0.4214 -0.3449 6 Letter Words -0.3750 -0.4514 -0.1893 3 Digit Numbers -0.2061 -0.3479 -0.1109 OVERALL -0.2747 -0.4069 -0.2150

  14. Solution Curves for Each Test Subject

  15. Data doesn’t specifically support our k value interpretation • Subject B has most negative k value, didn’t finish each test first • The k value is most dependent on the number of terms memorized during the first study time period

  16. Limitations To the Model • Not everyone memorizes information in a strictly increasing fashion • People forget • Doesn’t take external factors into account

  17. Conclusions • Our results support our hypothesis • Reasons why the memorization of words is easier than the memorization of numbers • Patterns • WATC  WATCH • Relationships • CHALK + BOARD • Rhyming • Usage

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