Number Memory Test
Covered skills
Relevant for
Essential for daily tasks like remembering phone numbers, addresses, and mathematical calculations. Strong working memory helps with learning and problem-solving.
Description
The Number Memory Test measures numerical digit span through a progressive sequence recall task. It evaluates the capacity to encode, retain, and accurately reproduce numerical sequences of increasing length, drawing on the phonological loop component of working memory as described in Baddeley and Hitch's working memory model.
How It Works
A numerical sequence is displayed briefly on screen and then removed. You reproduce the sequence from memory. Each correct reproduction advances to a longer sequence. Three errors end the test. The session continues until all lives are lost.
What Gets Measured
Level reached — the sequence length at which error accumulation ends the session, reflecting digit span ceiling.
Digit span — the maximum sequence length accurately recalled in a single attempt.
Accuracy across attempts — proportion of correct reproductions at each sequence length, indicating consistency at the span boundary.
Understanding Your Results
Consistent accuracy up to a specific sequence length followed by rapid decline suggests a relatively defined digit span boundary. Inconsistent accuracy at the same sequence length across multiple attempts suggests span is variable rather than fixed, which is common and reflects attentional fluctuation rather than a hard memory limit. George Miller's research suggested most adults maintain a span of approximately 7 items plus or minus 2, though this varies meaningfully across individuals and conditions.
Limitations
This test measures digit span within a visual numerical recall format specifically. It does not assess verbal working memory, spatial working memory, or memory for non-numerical information. Performance is sensitive to subvocal rehearsal strategy familiarity, baseline alertness, and digit grouping habits. Digit span is one component of working memory and results should not be interpreted as a comprehensive measure of memory capacity.
Related Tests
Sequence Memory Test — ordered pattern recall
Attention Span Test — working memory under sustained load