FREQUENCY OF THE EEG DURING ACQUISITION IN SHORT-TERM MEMORY

This study investigated changes in frequency of the EEG in relation to the number of digits inputed in a test of short-term memory. Four channels of bipolar EEGs were recorded from scalp leads over parietal and occipital areas of both hemispheres, while lists of the WISC digit span backward test were inputed. Data from 25 healthy Ss, who correctly recalled the 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-digit lists in reversed order, were analyzed. Findings showed no statistically significant differences in frequency of the EEGs recorded during acquisition of lists of different length. EEG frequency was significantly faster during acquisition of the lists than during a control condition in which Ss participated in an auditory reaction time task; but the findings were not consistent from channel to channel.