Aim: To determine the span of attention of digits in the subject.
Introduction
Attention: Attention is the behavioural and cognitive process of selectively concentrating on
a discrete aspect of information, whether considered subjective or objective, while ignoring
other perceivable information.
What is span of attention?
Span of attention is defined as the amount of concentrated time on a task without being
distracted.
Miller’s Theory of Span of Attention
Attention is defined as the process which compels the individuals to select some particular
stimulus according to his interest and attitude out of the multiplicity of stimuli present in the
Environment. Thus in short it is the selective activity of consciousness as a process of getting
an object of thought clearly before the mind. Attention span refers to an individual’s ability
to attend to a stimulus or object over a period of time. Span of attention actually tells us that
how many things can exist in the focus of consciousness at one time in an individual. It refers
to the numbers of object which can be grasped in one short presentation. The span of Visual
apprehension is observed through the instruments named Tachistoscope.
The Concept of Chunking
Chunking refers to the process of taking individual pieces of information and grouping them
into larger units. This is a form of semantic relation, such as types of fruit, parts of speech, or
1980s fashion. Chunking allows the brain to increase the channel capacity of the short term
memory; however, each chunk must be meaningful to the individual.
Hypothesis: The subject’s span of attention would be 7±2.
Independent Variable: The two list consisting of series of numbers.
Dependent Variable: Number of digits recalled by the subject.
Control:
1. Noise level was controlled.
2. Temperature label is at a comfortable level.
3. Light was adequate.
4. It was ensured that the subject was not tired or anxious.
Design of experiment:
Prepare the two series of numbers which you wish to use.
Make sure the number in the series are in a random order.
Now, call the subject and recite series. I, make sure you are reciting it in an audible and
clear tone.
Ask the subject to repeat the series in the same order. As you proceed further, the number
of digits would increase too.
If the subject makes a mistake anywhere, immediately go onto the next series and recite
that.
Preliminaries:
Name-
Age-
Sex-
Condition-
Materials Required:
1. Series A consisting of random numbers
2. Series B consisting of random numbers
3. Paper, pen, pencil
Procedure:
Rapport Formation: The subject was called to the room and was asked to settle down
comfortably. Subject was asked to remain calm. All the apprehensions were settled and
doubts were cleared.
Instructions
The following instructions were given:
1. "Please be seated comfortably. You have to perform a simple task. I will begin by reading
a series of numbers and following me you will repeat the digits in the same order. Listen
carefully as I will not be able to repeat the series.
2. When I say start, I will begin reading the digits.
3. If you have any questions, ask now before we start.”
Precautions
1. When creating the series of numbers, make sure there are no repetitions in the first 8 and
in the other 4 repetitions should be placed far apart.
2. Do not repeat the series.
3. Speak in clear and rhythmic tone.
4. Whenever your subject makes a mistake, mark the mistake and note down what he/she
said.
5. Make sure the instructions are clear.
Administration:
The subject was called inside the room and seated comfortably. Preliminaries were taken and
instructions were read out. The first set starting from 3 digits was read out and the recall was
recorded till the subject made a mistake on the 9th one. On moving to the next set, the subject
made a mistake on the 7th one. (Do not copy the same; you have to write it according to
your subject)
Table of results:
Series Series A Series B
Mistakes made in the series
(Add the two series of number that you created)
Introspective Report:
Behavioural Report:
Analysis and Interpretation of Results:
Conclusion:
