General Problem: On Memory

Speci c Problem: To Determine the Memory Span of the subject by using Nonsense Syllables.

Basic concept of memory

De nition:

Memory refers to the mental processes that allow an individual to store, retain, and recall information
and experiences. Memory involves encoding, storing, and retrieving information from the brain.

In psychology, memory refers to the mental processes that allow an individual to store, retain, and
recall information and experiences. Memory involves encoding, storing, and retrieving information
from the brain. It plays a crucial role in various cognitive functions, such as learning, problem-solving,
and decision-making. Memory can be divided into different types, including short-term memory, long-
term memory, and working memory.

Types of memory

a) Sensory Memory: This type of memory holds sensory information for a short period, typically
less than a second. It includes iconic memory (visual) and echoic memory (auditory).

b) Short-term memory (STM): Also known as working memory, this type of memory temporarily
holds information for a short duration, usually around 20-30 seconds. It has limited capacity
and is involved in tasks like mental arithmetic and problem-solving.

c) Long-term memory (LTM): Long-term memory stores information for an extended period, from
minutes to a lifetime. It is divided into two main categories:
• Explicit (or Declarative) Memory: This type of memory involves conscious recollection
of facts and events and includes semantic memory (knowledge of facts and
concepts) and episodic memory ( personal experiences).
• Implicit (or Procedural) Memory: Implicit Memory is unconscious memory that
in uences behavior and skills without conscious manner.

Stages of memory

a) Encoding: Processes used to store information in memory. This stage involves paying
attention to information, processing it, and organizing it into a format that the brain can use.

b) Storage: Storage is the retention of encoded information over time once information is
encoded, it is stored in various memory systems for later retrieval. The brain stores
information in different ways depending on its type and importance.

c) Retrieval: Retrieval is the process of accessing and bringing stored information into conscious
awareness when needed it, it involves locating and recovering information from the memory
stage.

Procedure:

a) Created a list of 30 nonsense syllables, Nonsense Syllables are typically consonant-vowel-

consonant combinations that have no meaning, I ensured that the syllables are not easily
associated with any existing words or meaningful words.

b) The order of the syllables was randomized to minimize the effect of familiarity and
sequencing.

c) Then explained the purpose of this experiment to the subject and instructed the subject that
they will be presented with the list of syllables and that they have to recall as many syllables
as possible in the correct order immediately after showing the list.
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 d) Then I presented the subject with the list of syllables for a brief period i.e 1 or 2 seconds to
prevent the subject from rehearsing the syllables mentally.

e) After each and every list was presented and the subject completed recalling it the subject was
given a break of 5 minutes where there was no disturbance and he closed his eyes or was
just drawing something and again after the break we continued the same procedure and
completed three trials.

Preliminaries:

1. Name: Abdul Aziz Maaz Khan

2. Age; 18

3. Materials required: Pen, Notepad and Paper Window

Data and interpretation:

a) In the rst trial Maaz was able to recall 5 syllables and In the next trial Maaz did better and he
was able to recall 6 syllables and also during the third trial he recalled 7 syllables.

b) According to the trials the memory span of Maaz was 6 and the retention span of Maaz was
(5+6+7)/3= 6

c) Poor/below average span- A memory span that ranges below 5 is considered poor or below
average.

d) Average memory span- A memory span that ranges from 5-9 is considered to be an average
memory span.

e) High/Above average span- A memory span that ranges above 9 is considered to be High or
above average which is excellent.

f) Now coming to Maaz his memory span lies at 6 which shows he has average memory span.

g) Maaz can improve his memory span by engaging in regular mental exercises, staying
physically active, get suf cient sleep and also practice active learning.

Conclusion:

The memory span of the subject is determined using nonsense syllables. The memory span of the
subject was 6 which was average he can use some techniques to improve his memory span,
consistent practice of the strategies mentioned above can lead to improvement in memory span
allowing the subject to better manage and process information in daily life.
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