‘Number Recall’ is one of the eight tasks that comprise Aptem Assess. Aptem Assess is designed to rapidly measure key cognitive abilities that underpin learning and achievement. In a short time, it can indicate which learners may have an underlying specific learning difficulty and require further exploration of their learning support needs.

The Number Recall task involves a learner recalling a number consisting of 5 or more digits, which was previously displayed onscreen. This task is mainly a measure of memory span but also involves working memory elements.

Memory span relates to the ability to encode information and then immediately reproduce that information, while working memory is the ability to perform simple manipulations of information within short-term memory, such as reversing a list of numbers. Memory function is a key component for learning and knowledge acquisition.

Memory and learning processes

Memory function is fundamental to retaining information and learning new skills. It is a key part of the working memory system which supports learning, problem-solving, and reasoning. Memory span is limited in capacity, with most individuals being able to recall lists of between 5 and 9 items (Miller, 1956). However, more recent research suggests a capacity of 4±1 (Cowan, 2001) when the length of the list is not initially known. Thus, memory span is important for simple memory tasks, such as recalling a security pin number or a phone number, as well as more complex memory tasks.

An individual’s memory span and capacity have an impact on many fundamental learning and assessment activities, such as:

• The retention of words and sentence phrases to process and understand complex text.
• Storing numbers and arithmetic operations while doing calculations.
• Supporting the learning of new words, vocabulary, and sounds.
• Contributing to the ability to switch between different tasks and attention.

Without intervention, individuals whose memory span is below the average range are likely to experience a number of challenges with learning and assessments, including:

• Struggling to follow long or multi-step instructions due to limited capacity to encode and process them.
• Difficulty remembering and manipulating information over a short period, resulting in high forgetting rates.
• Finding it more challenging to take notes at speed or solve multi-step problems.
• Likely to make errors when trying to recall information accurately.

Individuals with learning disabilities, including dyslexia and ADHD, can exhibit reduced memory span.

The science of measuring short-term memory capacity

Within the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) model of intelligence, memory span falls under the broad ability of Short-Term Memory (Gsm). Within this framework, short-term memory is divided into:

• Memory Span (MS) – the ability to encode and store sequential information.
• Working Memory Capacity (MW) – the ability to manipulate temporarily stored information.
• Attentional Control (AC) – the ability to focus on relevant stimuli and ignore distractors.

Among validated educational tests, short-term memory function is often measured in terms of verbal and visual memory, for example, through the following tasks:

• Recalling sequences of digits in order. This is the method used by Aptem.
• Presenting a short word list that the individual attempts to recall in order.
• Reordering mixed lists of letters and numbers into alphanumeric order.
• Recalling sequences of visual or spatial locations such as highlighted blocks in a 3×3 grid or the Simon Says game console.

Short-term memory and memory span are foundational components of learning and can impact the processing of verbal, non-verbal, and visual information. Research with children has shown that reduced memory span predicts poor literacy and numeracy regardless of intelligence. However, adjustments and intervention training have been shown to have a positive short-term impact.

Learn more about Aptem Assess

Learn more about Aptem Assess

For an estimated 87% of learners, the Aptem Assess cognitive assessment with an included verbal reasoning test will take no more than 15 minutes. Learn more in our brochure. If you would like to integrate Aptem’s cognitive assessment into your delivery, book a demo, or if you are an Aptem customer, please speak to your Customer Success Manager.

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