Verbal memory span, visual memory span, and their correlations with cognitive tasks

SHIN-ICHI ICHIKAWA

doi:10.4992/psycholres1954.25.173

Author information

Keywords: immediate memory span, visual memory, recall of patterns, capacity of imagery, intelligence test, problem solving, correlation analysis

JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

1983 Volume 25 Issue 4 Pages 173-180

DOI https://doi.org/10.4992/psycholres1954.25.173

Details

Published: March 01, 1984 Received: March 01, 1983 Available on J-STAGE: February 24, 2009 Accepted: September 11, 1983 Advance online publication: - Revised: -
Correction information
Date of correction: February 24, 2009 Reason for correction: - Correction: ABSTRACT Details: Wrong : Immediate memory spans of 82 students were measured through the recall of digit sequences and dot-in-matrix patterns. The reliabilities of both spans werc very high, while the correlation between the spans was low (r=.209). In addition, the same subjects were given eight kinds of cognitive tasks (Word Relation, Maze, Addition, Shape Series, Anagram, Space Relation, Number Series, and Mental Rotation) selected from intelligence tests. The two spans were correlated with the performance of each task in different degrees. Results of the factor analysis showed that the digit span had a high loading value on the “verbal” factor, while the span with dot patterns loaded the “visuospatial” factor. It is suggested that the capacities of those verbal and visual immediate memory are independent to each other from the point of view of individual difference, and that they have distinct roles in problem solving.
Right : Immediate memory spans of 82 students were measured through the recall of digit sequences and dot-in-matrix patterns. The reliabilities of both spans were very high, while the correlation between the spans was low (r=.209). In addition, the same subjects were given eight kinds of cognitive tasks (Word Relation, Maze, Addition, Shape Series, Anagram, Space Relation, Number Series, and Mental Rotation) selected from intelligence tests. The two spans were correlated with the performance of each task in different degrees. Results of the factor analysis showed that the digit span had a high loading value on the “verbal” factor, while the span with dot patterns loaded the “visuospatial” factor. It is suggested that the capacities of those verbal and visual immediate memory are independent to each other from the point of view of individual difference, and that they have distinct roles in problem solving.

Date of correction: February 24, 2009 Reason for correction: - Correction: CITATION Details: Wrong : Baddeley, A. D., & Hitch, G. 1974 Working memory. In G. H. Bower (Ed.), The psychology of learning and motivation: Advances in research and theory. Vol. 8. New York: Academic Press.
Brooks, L. R. 1968 Spatial and verbal components of the act of recall. Canadian Journal of Psychology, 22, 349-368.
Cohen, R. L., & Sandberg, T. 1977 Relation between intelligence and short-term memory. Cognitive Psychology, 9, 534-554.
den Heyer, K., & Barrett, B. 1971 Selective loss of visual and verbal information in STM by means of visual and verbal interpolated tasks. Psychonomic Science, 25, 100-102.
Di Vesta, F. J., Ingersoll, G., & Sunshine, P. 1971 A factor analysis of imagery tests. Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 10, 471-479.
Garner, W. R., & Clement, D. E. 1963 Goodness of patterns and pattern uncertainty. Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 2, 446-452.
Guilford, J. P. 1954 Psychometric methods. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Hakoda, Y., & Ichikawa, S. 1981 Are verbal and visual information processed independently? Proceedings of the 45th Annual Convention of the Japanese Psychological Association, 205-206. (In Japanese)
Hakoda, Y., & Nakamizo, S. 1975 Dual-encoding hypothesis in short-term memory: How does the nature of interpolated task affect information loss? Japanese Psychological Research, 17, 91-97.
Henderson, L. 1972. Spatial and verbal codes and the capacity of STM. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 24, 485-495.
Ichikawa, S. 1981 Rated ease of memorization of dot-in-matrix patterns: Multiple regression analysis by physical variables which describe configuration of dots. Japanese Psychological Research, 23, 69-78.
Ichikawa, S. 1982a Measurement of visual memory span by means of the recall of dot-inmatrix patterns. Behavior Research Methods and Instrumentation, 14, 309-313.
Ichikawa, S. 1982b Verbal and visual recall span curves between 1ms and 1min. Psychological Research, 44, 269-281.
Jacobs, J. 1887 Experiments on “prehension”. Mind, 12, 75-79.
Kosslyn, S. M. 1980 Imagery and mind, Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
Kubota, M. 1965 Memory span and intelligence. Japanese Journal of Psychology, 36, 47-55. (In Japanese with English Abstract)
McLeod, P. 1977 A dual task response modality effect: Support for multiprocessor models of attention. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 29, 651-667.
Meudell, P. R. 1972 Short-term visual memory: Comparative effects of two types of distraction on the recall of visually presented materials. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 24, 485-495.
Paivio, A. 1971 Imogery and verbal processes. New York: Holt.
Tanaka, K. 1958 New Tanaka intelligence test (Type A). Tokyo: Nippon Bunka Kagaku Sha.
Tanaka, K. 1962 Revised Tanaka intelligence test (Type B). Tokyo: Nippon Bunka Kagaku Sha.
Teraoka, T. 1961 Effects of letter-orders and material words on the anagram solution. Japanese Journal of Psychology, 30, 253-263. (In Japanese with English Abstract)
Ushijima, Y. 1961 Ushijima intelligence test. Tokyo: Kaneko Shoboh.
Woodworth, R. S. 1938 Experimental psychology. New York: Holt.
Wechsler, D. 1974 Wechsler intelligence scale for children-revised. New York: The Psychological Corporation.

Right : Baddeley, A. D., & Hitch, G. 1974 Working memory. In G. H. Bower (Ed.), The psychology of learning and motivation: Advances in research and theory. Vol.8. New York: Academic Press.
Brooks, L. R. 1968 Spatial and verbal components of the act of recall. Canadian Journal of Psychology, 22, 349-368.
Cohen, R. L., & Sandberg, T. 1977 Relation between intelligence and short-term memory. Cognitive Psychology, 9, 534-554.
den Heyer, K., & Barrett, B. 1971 Selective loss of visual and verbal information in STM by means of visual and verbal interpolated tasks. Psychonornic Science, 25, 100-102.
Di Vesta, F. J., Ingersoll, G., & Sunshine, P.1971 A factor analysis of imagery tests. Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 10, 471-479.
Garner, AV. R., & Clement, D. E. 1963 Goodness of patterns and pattern uncertainty. Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 2, 446-452.
Guilford, J. P.1954 Psychometric methods. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Hakoda, V., & Ichikawa, S. 1981 Are verbal and visual information processed independently? Proceedings of the 45th Annual Convention of the Japanese Psychological Association, 205-206.(In Japanese)
Hakoda, Y., & Nakamizo, S. 1975 Dual-encoding hypothesis in short-term memory: How does the nature of interpolated task affect information loss? Japanese Psychological Research, 17, 91-97.
Henderson, L. 1972. Spatial and verbal codes and the capacity of STM. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 24, 485-495.
Ichikawa, S. 1981 Rated ease of memorization of dot-in-matrix patterns: Multiple regression analysis by physical variables which describe configuration of dots. Japanese Psychological Research, 23, 69-78.
Ichikawa, S.1982a Measurement of visual memory span by means of the recall of dot-inmatrix patterns. Behavior Research Methods and Instrumentation, H, 309-313.
Ichikawa, S. 1982b Verbal and visual recall span curves between 1 ms and 1 min.Psychological Research, 44, 269-281.
Jacobs, J. 1887 Experiments on “prehension”. Mind, 12, 75-79.
Kosslyn, S. M. 1980 Imagery and mind. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
Kubota, M. 1965 Memory span and intelligence. Japanese Journal of Psychology, 36, 47-55.(In Japanese with English Abstract)
McLeod, P.1977 A dual task response modality effect: Support for multiprocessor models of attention. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 29, 651-667.
Mendell, P. R. 1972 Short-term visual memory: Comparative effects of two types of distraction on the recall of visually presented materials. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 24, 485-495.
Paivio, A. 197I Imagery and verbal processes. New York: Holt.
Tanaka, K. 1958 New Tanaka intelligence test (Type A). Tokyo: Nippon Bunka Kagaku Sha.
Tanaka, K. 1962 Revised Tanaka intelligence test (Type B). Tokyo: Nippon Bunka Kagaku Sha.
Teraoka, T. 1961 Effects of letter-orders and material words on the anagram solution. Japanese Journal of Psychology, 30, 253-263.(In Japanese with English Abstract)
Ushijima, Y. 1961 Ushijima intelligence test. Tokyo: Kaneko Shoboh.
Woodworth, R. S. 1938 Experimental psychology. New York: Holt.
Wechsler, D. 1974 Wechsler intelligence scale for children-revised. New York: The Psychological Corporation.

Date of correction: February 24, 2009 Reason for correction: - Correction: PDF FILE Details: -

Date of correction: February 24, 2009 Reason for correction: - Correction: ABSTRACT Details: Wrong : Immediate memory spans of 82 students were measured through the recall of digit sequences and dot-in-matrix patterns. The reliabilities of both spans were very high, while the correlation between the spans was low (r=.209). In addition, the same subjects were given eight kinds of cognitive tasks (Word Relation, Maze, Addition, Shape Series, Anagram, Space Relation, Number Series, and Mental Rotation) selected from intelligence tests. The two spans were correlated with the performance of each task in different degrees. Results of the factor analysis showed that the digit span had a high loading value on the “verbal” factor, while the span with dot patterns loaded the “visuospatial” factor. It is suggested that the capacities of those verbal and visual immediate memory are independent to each other from the point of view of individual difference, and that they have distinct roles in problem solving.
Right : Immediate memory spans of 82 students were measured through the recall of digit sequences and dot-in-matrix patterns. The reliabilities of both spans were very high, while the correlation between the spans was low (r=.209). In addition, the same subjects were given eight kinds of cognitive tasks (Word Relation, Maze, Addition, Shape Series, Anagram, Space Relation, Number Series, and Mental Rotation) selected from intelligence tests. The two spans were correlated with the performance of each task in different degrees. Results of the factor analysis showed that the digit span had a high loading value on the “verbal” factor, while the span with dot patterns loaded the “visuospatial” factor. It is suggested that the capacities of those verbal and visual immediate memory are independent to each other from the point of view of individual difference, and that they have distinct roles in problem solving.

Date of correction: February 24, 2009 Reason for correction: - Correction: CITATION Details: Wrong : Baddeley, A. D., & Hitch, G. 1974 Working memory. In G. H. Bower (Ed.), The psychology of learning and motivation: Advances in research and theory. Vol.8. New York: Academic Press.
Brooks, L. R. 1968 Spatial and verbal components of the act of recall. Canadian Journal of Psychology, 22, 349-368.
Cohen, R. L., & Sandberg, T. 1977 Relation between intelligence and short-term memory. Cognitive Psychology, 9, 534-554.
den Heyer, K., & Barrett, B. 1971 Selective loss of visual and verbal information in STM by means of visual and verbal interpolated tasks. Psychonornic Science, 25, 100-102.
Di Vesta, F. J., Ingersoll, G., & Sunshine, P.1971 A factor analysis of imagery tests. Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 10, 471-479.
Garner, AV. R., & Clement, D. E. 1963 Goodness of patterns and pattern uncertainty. Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 2, 446-452.
Guilford, J. P.1954 Psychometric methods. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Hakoda, V., & Ichikawa, S. 1981 Are verbal and visual information processed independently? Proceedings of the 45th Annual Convention of the Japanese Psychological Association, 205-206.(In Japanese)
Hakoda, Y., & Nakamizo, S. 1975 Dual-encoding hypothesis in short-term memory: How does the nature of interpolated task affect information loss? Japanese Psychological Research, 17, 91-97.
Henderson, L. 1972. Spatial and verbal codes and the capacity of STM. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 24, 485-495.
Ichikawa, S. 1981 Rated ease of memorization of dot-in-matrix patterns: Multiple regression analysis by physical variables which describe configuration of dots. Japanese Psychological Research, 23, 69-78.
Ichikawa, S.1982a Measurement of visual memory span by means of the recall of dot-inmatrix patterns. Behavior Research Methods and Instrumentation, H, 309-313.
Ichikawa, S. 1982b Verbal and visual recall span curves between 1 ms and 1 min.Psychological Research, 44, 269-281.
Jacobs, J. 1887 Experiments on “prehension”. Mind, 12, 75-79.
Kosslyn, S. M. 1980 Imagery and mind. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
Kubota, M. 1965 Memory span and intelligence. Japanese Journal of Psychology, 36, 47-55.(In Japanese with English Abstract)
McLeod, P.1977 A dual task response modality effect: Support for multiprocessor models of attention. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 29, 651-667.
Mendell, P. R. 1972 Short-term visual memory: Comparative effects of two types of distraction on the recall of visually presented materials. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 24, 485-495.
Paivio, A. 197I Imagery and verbal processes. New York: Holt.
Tanaka, K. 1958 New Tanaka intelligence test (Type A). Tokyo: Nippon Bunka Kagaku Sha.
Tanaka, K. 1962 Revised Tanaka intelligence test (Type B). Tokyo: Nippon Bunka Kagaku Sha.
Teraoka, T. 1961 Effects of letter-orders and material words on the anagram solution. Japanese Journal of Psychology, 30, 253-263.(In Japanese with English Abstract)
Ushijima, Y. 1961 Ushijima intelligence test. Tokyo: Kaneko Shoboh.
Woodworth, R. S. 1938 Experimental psychology. New York: Holt.
Wechsler, D. 1974 Wechsler intelligence scale for children-revised. New York: The Psychological Corporation.

Right : Baddeley, A. D., & Hitch, G. 1974 Working memory. In G. H. Bower (Ed.), The psychology of learning and motivation: Advances in research and theory. Vol.8. New York: Academic Press.
Brooks, L. R. 1968 Spatial and verbal components of the act of recall. Canadian Journal of Psychology, 22, 349-368.
Cohen, R. L., & Sandberg, T. 1977 Relation between intelligence and short-term memory. Cognitive Psychology, 9, 534-554.
den Heyer, K., & Barrett, B. 1971 Selective loss of visual and verbal information in STM by means of visual and verbal interpolated tasks. Psychonomic Science, 25, 100-102.
Di Vesta, F. J., Ingersoll, G., & Sunshine, P.1971 A factor analysis of imagery tests. Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 10, 471-479.
Garner, W. R., & Clement, D. E. 1963 Goodness of patterns and pattern uncertainty. Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 2, 446-452.
Guilford, J. P.1954 Psychometric methods. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Hakoda, Y., & Ichikawa, S. 1981 Are verbal and visual information processed independently? Proceedings of the 45th Annual Convention of the Japanese Psychological Association, 205-206.(In Japanese)
Hakoda, Y., & Nakamizo, S. 1975 Dual-encoding hypothesis in short-term memory: How does the nature of interpolated task affect information loss? Japanese Psychological Research, 17, 91-97.
Henderson, L. 1972. Spatial and verbal codes and the capacity of STM. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 24, 485-495.
Ichikawa, S. 1981 Rated ease of memorization of dot-in-matrix patterns: Multiple regression analysis by physical variables which describe configuration of dots. Japanese Psychological Research, 23, 69-78.
Ichikawa, S.1982a Measurement of visual memory span by means of the recall of dot-in-matrix patterns. Behavior Research Methods and Instrumentation, 14, 309-313.
Ichikawa, S. 1982b Verbal and visual recall span curves between 1 ms and 1 min. Psychological Research, 44, 269-281.
Jacobs, J. 1887 Experiments on “prehension”. Mind, 12, 75-79.
Kosslyn, S. M. 1980 Imagery and mind. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
Kubota, M. 1965 Memory span and intelligence. Japanese Journal of Psychology, 36, 47-55.(In Japanese with English Abstract)
McLeod, P.1977 A dual task response modality effect: Support for multiprocessor models of attention. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 29, 651-667.
Meudell, P. R. 1972 Short-term visual memory: Comparative effects of two types of distraction on the recall of visually presented materials. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 24, 485-495.
Paivio, A. 1971 Imagery and verbal processes. New York: Holt.
Tanaka, K. 1958 New Tanaka intelligence test (Type A). Tokyo: Nippon Bunka Kagaku Sha.
Tanaka, K. 1962 Revised Tanaka intelligence test (Type B). Tokyo: Nippon Bunka Kagaku Sha.
Teraoka, T. 1961 Effects of letter-orders and material words on the anagram solution. Japanese Journal of Psychology, 30, 253-263.(In Japanese with English Abstract)
Ushijima, Y. 1961 Ushijima intelligence test. Tokyo: Kaneko Shoboh.
Woodworth, R. S. 1938 Experimental psychology. New York: Holt.
Wechsler, D. 1974 Wechsler intelligence scale for children-revised. New York: The Psychological Corporation.

Abstract

Immediate memory spans of 82 students were measured through the recall of digit sequences and dot-in-matrix patterns. The reliabilities of both spans were very high, while the correlation between the spans was low (r=.209). In addition, the same subjects were given eight kinds of cognitive tasks (Word Relation, Maze, Addition, Shape Series, Anagram, Space Relation, Number Series, and Mental Rotation) selected from intelligence tests. The two spans were correlated with the performance of each task in different degrees. Results of the factor analysis showed that the digit span had a high loading value on the “verbal” factor, while the span with dot patterns loaded the “visuospatial” factor. It is suggested that the capacities of those verbal and visual immediate memory are independent to each other from the point of view of individual difference, and that they have distinct roles in problem solving.

Corresponding author

Correction information

Register with J-STAGE for free!