Does age affect our memory?
By: Amanda Rogers
Purpose Statement
Research
I researched studies shown that tested people and gave them results for short-term memory, long-term memory, and sensory memory. Sensory memory is when you can remember within seconds a memory of something that gives you an idea like a picture.
According to Wikipedia, "Memory is the process in which information is encoded, stored, and retrieved. The loss of memory is described as forgetfulness. Storage is a memory stage or process. This entails that information is maintained over a short periods of time." Memory loss can be a symptom of Alzheimer's disease.
Hypothesis
My hypothesis is growing in age doesn't affect memory. I base my hypothesis on the people I have been around and whether or not they have remembered events in their life.
Materials
2) students the ages of 13-16
3) Adults the ages of 40-43
Variables
IV- age of participants
DV- ability of the participant to remember what was on the flashcards
CV- Using the same flashcards and an even number of boys and girls
Procedures
1. Create 10 flashcards that are all one color with one letter.
2. Pick people in the ages of 13-16 and 40-43.
3. Show each person the flashcards and see how well they remember what letter and color go together.
Observations Log/Data
Results
Conclusion
My hypothesis was incorrect. The results indicate that this hypothesis should be considered false. Based on the results of this experiment growing in age does affect memory. If I were to conduct this science fair project again I would test the age group that a skipped over.
Acknowledgements
Erica Benson -13
Zaria Spahr -14
Cody Martin -15
Ethan Rogers -16
Kelly Hammer -40
Patti Cook -41
Loren Paulsen -42
Desiree Paulsen -43