In One Experiment an Undergraduate Spent a Year and a Half

question 180

Multiple Choice

In one experiment an undergraduate spent a year and a half memorizing lists of numbers and recalling them immediately. By the end of the year, how had his memory changed-if at all?

• A) He had increased the capacity of his short-term memory not only for numbers (which he had practiced) but also for letters (which he had not practiced).
• B) He had improved his ability to use chunking to store more numbers in his short-term memory.
• C) The capacity of his short-term memory had decreased from seven to five.
• D) His ability to memorize had not changed in any way.

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Definitions:

New Habit

A recently developed pattern of behavior that is repeated regularly and tends to occur subconsciously.

Adjust

To change or modify something in order to achieve a desired result or fit a new situation.

Lasting Change

Enduring or permanent transformation in habits, behaviors, or circumstances that remains over time.

Track

A path or course laid out for running or racing, or the act of following or monitoring progress or developments.