Repetitive Psychometric Measures: Digit Span

Abstract

Two digit span tests are compared. The first was the traditional test consisting of seven numbers with digits ranging from 4 through 10, and the second, a new test with two forms in which four 8-digit and four 10-digit numbers alternate. High correlations are noted between the test scores in all instances even with the varied test procedures and scoring techniques. The strong influence of the size of number and the lesser influence of practice on the intercorrelations among these tests are shown. A factor analysis established that the new test measured the same factor as the traditional test and that both were essentially independent of the other tests of the Repetitive Psychometric Measures Battery. Reliabilities were maintained or increased slightly in the shorter new test by several techniques. Using the format of the new test, 8 alternate forms were selected from an original battery of 30, based on the results of 12 repetitions of each form by three Ss. These seem sufficiently well equated for potential detection of relatively small changes due to drug, fatigue, motivational, and similar effects.

Randomized controlled trial of modafinil for the treatment of fatigue in postpolio patients

“…Digit span, a test for short term memory, is influenced by the state of alertness with relatively little practice effect. 12 In healthy subjects, modafinil enhances digit span performance. 21 Each subject was read a list of random numbers from 0 to 9.…”

Relationship between the P₃₀₀ Auditory Event-Related Potential and Automated Psychometric Tests

“…When two consecutive strings have been performed cor rectly an additional digit is added to the memory set. The final score (Mefferd score) [7] reflects the digit span.…”

“…These arc compu terised versions of conventional tests, each testing a different area of cognition [ 11], Psychometric Tests Automated Digit Recall Test. A computerised ver sion o f a commonly used digit recall task was em ployed [7], A string o f randomly generated numbersone digit at a time -is presented to the subject on the visual display unit. After the numbers have been dis played the subject is asked to recall the numbers, dialling them in the same order as presented, on a telephone which is connected to the computer.…”

Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis of Commercially Available Computerized Cognitive Training Among Older Adults

“…Digit Span A measure of short-term memory where participants are asked to recall a series of numbers (Mefferd et al 1966). Rey auditory verbal learning task A measure of verbal memory that detects cognitive impairment (Powell et al 1991).…”