Size of Audience, Gender, and Digit-Rate Effects on Short-Term Memory

Abstract

Short-term memory tests were given to 101 undergraduate volunteers (33 men and 68 women) under three levels of audience size (2 observers, 1 observer, and alone condition) using different rates (1 sec. and 3 sec.) of computer-generated random numbers. Subjects were instructed to recall 25 random digits (presented sequentially on a computer screen) immediately after their display. A mixed 2 × 2 × 3 split-plot analysis of variance showed a significant effect for rate of digit presentation and Newman-Keuls post hoc pairwise comparisons showed differences between men and women with 2 observers present under the 3-sec. digit rate (men scored higher). Gender differences also occurred in the extent to which subjects profited from the 3-sec. (simpler) digit-rate condition as a function of the presence or absence of an audience (three-way interaction). Women profited in the “alone” condition and men did not, yet men profited in the audience-present conditions and women did not. “Social facilitation” interpretations in the context of gender analyses are discussed.