A Common Memory Task Is the Classification of Objects into Categories

question 13

Essay

A common memory task is the classification of objects into categories. For example, a table is a piece of furniture; a dog is an animal, etc. This classification capability was used in a recent study of divided attention. Elderly adults were randomly selected from those answering a newspaper advertisement, and randomly assigned to two conditions: divided attention and no divided attention. Subjects in the "divided attention" group were told to memorize a list of 36 words while simultaneously listening to a tape recorder; subjects in a control group were told to memorize a list of 36 words and did not listen to a tape recorder. Subjects were then asked to classify the 36 words into 6 categories. (There were 6 words in each category.) The distributions of the correct number of recalled words / category were approximately normal in each of the groups, and a summary of the data for the words/category recalled are presented below: ​
a)Is there evidence that the memory performance differs in the two groups? Test the appropriate hypothesis using α = .05.
b)One possible implication of this study is that high school students should not be dividing their attention by listening to music while studying. What results, if any, of this study would support the contention that students should not be dividing their attention?

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Definitions:

Course of Treatment

The planned series of medical interventions or procedures designed to cure or manage a health condition.

Odd

Deviating from what is ordinary, usual, or expected; strange or peculiar.

Dramatic

Characterized by striking emotional expression or presentation, often associated with theater or performance arts.

Personal Relationships

Interpersonal affiliations or bonds between individuals, characterized by emotional or social connection and interactions.