
Rapid Instructions and Memory Recall
Easy
Can you remember the third task on a list when someone fires eight commands at you in rapid succession? When instructions come fast, your brain struggles to store them all. This project tests how well people recall a specific step under pressure.
You create a list of eight physical tasks like jumping jacks and running in place. You call them out to a group with only a few seconds between each one. At the end, you ask everyone to name the third task.
The results show how rapid-fire delivery affects short-term memory and recall.
Hypothesis
The hypothesis is that stress can have an impact on memory.
Method & Materials
You will create a mildly stressful situation for the participants, as well as focusing their attention. The pressure on the participants to do well, and having to concentrate on instructions, will impact their ability to remember a sequence of tasks.
You will need paper, pencil, and five participants of varying gender and age.
Results
The results of this experiment showed that stress can have an impact on memory. One observation that stood out was that the participants had difficulty remembering the third task on the list.
Why do this project?
This science project is interesting because it shows how our ability to remember things can be affected by external factors.
Also Consider
Variations of this experiment could include testing different levels of stress, or testing different types of memory (e.g. short-term vs. long-term).
Full project details
Additional information and source material for this project are available below.Related videos
These videos explain the science behind this project and demonstrate key concepts used in the experiment.
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