Dr. Henderson conducted a cognitive psychology experiment investigating the capacity of working memory (digit span) under two different cognitive load conditions. In Condition 1, participants recalled digit sequences while sitting in a quiet, dark room (Low Load). In Condition 2, participants recalled digit sequences while performing a continuous finger-tapping task (High Load).
Table 1 shows the results of the study.
| Participant | Digit span in Condition 1 (Low Load) | Digit span in Condition 2 (High Load) |
|---|---|---|
| A | 5 | 4 |
| B | 7 | 5 |
| C | 4 | 3 |
| D | 11 | 8 |
| E | 5 | 3 |
| F | 3 | 2 |
| G | 8 | 6 |
| H | 6 | 4 |
| I | 5 | 4 |
| J | 4 | 3 |
| K | 9 | 6 |
| L | 7 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 74 | 53 |
Calculate the measures of central tendency for the data Dr. Henderson collected for participant recall in Condition 1, and complete Table 2 with your answers.
| Mean digit span in Condition 1 (to two decimal places) | Median digit span in Condition 1 | Mode digit span in Condition 1 |
|---|---|---|
Practise Edexcel A Level Psychology Research methods and skills with exam-style questions for A Level Psychology. 657 questions covering Research methods and skills, matched to the Edexcel A Level Psychology (9PS0) specification and written in Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.
