"Organization and Memorization: How Can They Help You?"

Abstract of a paper by Jennifer M. Baietto

To find out how people responded to a pattern when it is recognized and memorized, I tested 100 interviewees, grades 6 to 8. Each interviewee was administrated five tests. The first test was a sheet of paper with apparently random numbers. The test had numbers 1 to 60, with number 1 circled. The interviewees had 30 seconds to review the numbers, then 60 seconds to circle as many numbers as possible, in numerical order.

Test two was administered, with the same numbers but a line down the center. 30 seconds was allowed to review the paper and discover a pattern. After review, they had 60 seconds to circle as many numbers as they could in numerical order. They were told the pattern of the second test. Test 3 was the same test as test two, but the interviewees were told that evens were on the right, odds on the left. They had 30 seconds to review the test, and 60 seconds to circle as many numbers as possible in numerical order.

Test 4 was then administered. This was the same as test 1, 2, and 3, but lines had been used to divide it into quarters. They had 30 seconds to review the test, and 60 seconds to circle as many numbers as possible in numerical order. After test 4 they were given test 5, but were given additional information about the pattern. The numbers were arranged in groups of six. Numbers 1 - 6 were located on the top half of the page, alternating from the right side to the left. Numbers 7 - 12 were on the lower half of the page, also alternating from right to left. The pattern would continue in that order to sixty. They had 30 seconds to review the test, and 60 seconds to circle as many numbers as possible in numerical order.

In conclusion, I found that the most information the interviewee acquired, the more numbers they were able to circle.

Advisor: J. Neri, Good Shepherd School.

Joan Johnson, Jennifer Baietto, Adina Sobo