1. Home
  2. Topic
  3. Personal Issues
  4. Memory Loss
  5. Caffeine and Short-Term Memory Caffeine  Term Paper

Caffeine and Short-Term Memory Caffeine, Term Paper

Download This Paper Download this Term Paper in word format (.docx)

Excerpt from Term Paper :

This will help to eliminate the possibility of psychological effects on the results. Group a will receive the caffeinated coffee and Group B. will receive the Decaf. Group a will serve as the test group. Group B. will serve as the control group. The independent variable will be caffeine and the dependent variable will be short-term memory. This study will measure the effect of caffeine on short-term memory.

Methods

Both groups would be instructed to refrain from consuming any food containing caffeine for one week before the test. The test would be administered first thing in the morning. Both groups would be instructed to fast after midnight on the night before the test. They would be instructed to consume nothing prior to taking the test. This procedure was designed to eliminate as many confounding variables as possible. For instance, the consumption of protein or sugars might affect the test and skew the results. Subjects were instructed to get at least 8 hours of sleep the night before the test to eliminate the possibility of fatigue and sleep on short-term memory. Subjects were asked not to smoke cigarettes for one hour before the test.

Prior to taking the memory test, the subjects were given a questionnaire to make certain that they had followed instructions prior to the test procedure. On the day of the test, one group would drink two 8 oz. cups of decaf coffee 30 minutes prior to taking a test using Sternberg's Short-Term Memory Test (SMT). The other group would consume two 8 oz. cups of caffeinated coffer before administration of the test. Differences in scores between the two groups was compared to determine the effect of caffeine on short-term memory scores.

Sternberg Short-Term Memory Test asks subjects to judge whether a test symbol is contained in a short memorized sequence of symbols. The mean reaction time increases linearly with the length of the sequence. In this test, improved memory results in greater accuracy and decreased reaction time in the responses. (Sternberg, 1966). The SMT involves the subjects viewing a random series of numbers between 0 and 9. The length of the series varies between groups of 4, 6, and 8. Each number is displayed for 750 milliseconds. Upon completion of a series, a warning signal is given, followed immediately by the test number. When the test number was presented the subject was asked whether or not the test number was included in the series (Sternberg, 1966). Both the accuracy and speed of the response was recorded.

Results

Measures of Central Tendency

The following chart summarizes the accuracy and speed of the trials in both groups.

Accuracy Length 4 Series Length 6 Series Length 8 Speed Series Length 4 Series Length 6 Series Length 8 Group a 1 100 96.5-79.5-1-0.68 0.68 0.96 2 100 94.2-83.2-2-0.69 0.7-0.94 3-97.9-87.5-81.5-3-0.74 0.71 0.92 4-98.4-91-83 4-0.71 0.72 0.92 5-99-92.5-80.8-5-0.69 0.71 0.97 Mean 99.06-92.34-81.6 Mean 0.702 0.704 0.942 Median 99.03-92.42-81.55 Median 0.696 0.707 0.941 Mode 100 #N/a #N/a Mode 0.69 0.71 0.92 Group B. 1-96.4-96.5-68 1-0.75 0.75 0.95 2-97.8-95-75 2-0.76 0.76 0.96 3 100 89-81.3-3-0.64 0.78 0.97 4-99.5-91.2-85.2-4-0.78 0.83 0.96 5-97.2-93-83.4-5-0.74 0.87 0.96 Mean 98.18-92.94-78.58 Mean 0.734 0.798 0.96 Median 97.99-92.97-79.94 Median 0.745 0.789 0.96 Mode #N/a #N/a #N/a Mode #N/a #N/a 0.96

Measures of Variance

Accuracy Length 4 Series Length 6 Series Length 8 Speed Series Length 4 Series Length 6 Series Length 8 Group a 1 100.00-96.50-79.50 1.00 0.68 0.68 0.96 2 100.00-94.20-83.20 2.00 0.69 0.70 0.94 3-97.90-87.50-81.50 3.00 0.74 0.71 0.92 4-98.40-91.00-83.00 4.00 0.71 0.72 0.92 5-99.00-92.50-80.80 5.00 0.69 0.71 0.97 Variance 0.89-11.50 2.40 Variance 0.00 0.00 0.00 STD DEV 0.94 3.39 1.55 STD DEV 0.02 0.02 0.02 Range 2.10-11.0-3.7.04.04.05 Group B. 1-96.40-96.50-68.00 1.00 0.75 0.75 0.95 2-97.80-95.00-75.00 2.00 0.76 0.76 0.96 3 100.00-89.00-81.30 3.00 0.64 0.78 0.97 4-99.50-91.20-85.20 4.00 0.78 0.83 0.96 5-97.20-93.00-83.40 5.00 0.74 0.87 0.96 Variance 2.33 8.87-49.80 Variance 0.00 0.00 0.00
Parts of this Document are Hidden
Click Here to View Entire Document
STD DEV 1.53 2.98 7.06 STD DEV 0.05 0.05 0.01 Range 3.6-3.5-13.12.12.01 Conclusion

When one first examines the results of this data set, it would appear that a significant difference is apparent between Group a (Caffeine Group) and Group B (Decaf Group) exists. However, when one begins to examine the variance between groups, it becomes apparent the results demonstrate inconsistency, without pattern. Standard deviations show a wide variability as compared to the mean. There was little consistency as far as the mode was concerned in some cases.

Although one could conclude that there is a significant differences between the control and test group upon first appearance, it would be difficult to determine that the differences between groups was significant due to the high degree of variance within the groups. This study cannot conclude that the hypothesis holds true and that caffeine improves short-term memory. The results are inconclusive at best.

This study obtained similar results to that of Terry and Phifer (2006) that was discovered in the literature review. One of the key difficulties in determining that caffeine did not significantly improve short-term memory is that they too found a high degree of variance among their results. They used a different measure of short-term memory, but still found a high degree of variance, as was found in this study.

The literature review revealed that there are several external factors that can affect short-term memory. It is not known what role these factors played in this research, but it is likely that they might be responsible for the variance observed in the data set. The methodology attempted to eliminate as many of the confounding variables as possible. However, there is no guarantee that others might have affected the results.

This study compared two groups of individuals that might have a high degree of variability in their abilities. In the final study this variability will have to be accounted for in the research design. One way that the researcher might use to reduce the possibility of external factors that could affect the results is to conduct a baseline study of the participants in the study population. One could take a baseline reading using the memory test on a group of subjects that has not had caffeine. The researcher could then give this same group caffeine and measure the results of the short-term memory test again.

This method has design problems, as much as this research study. For instance, there might be some improvement on the second test simply due to the fact that the subjects have seen it before. This research method could be used to enhance the present research design and help to eliminate some of the variability within groups. It is expected that some variance will be eliminated statistically in a larger sample population.

However, as we mentioned earlier, this is a pilot study that is intended to demonstrate areas that need to be improved in the larger study. It is expected that a larger sample population will reduce the variance within the groups and that more conclusive trends will emerge. There are many factors that could account for the variance between individuals within the same groups, including individual's differences in short-term abilities.

However, it one takes a qualitative approach to the data, it appears that there is a definitive trend in short-term memory between caffeine and non-caffeine users. A larger study group would help to provide more definitive results. From the results obtained in this pilot study, one cannot determine that caffeine improves short-term memory.

References

Anderson, K., Revelle, W., & Lynch, M. (2004). Caffeine, impulsivity, and memory scanning: A comparison of two explanations for the Yerkes-Dodson Effect. Neuroscience Letters.

367 (3), 327-331.

Bichler, a.; Swenson, a.; & Harris, M. (2006). A combination of caffeine and taurine has no effect on short-term memory but induces changes in heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure. Amino Acids. 31-940, 471-476.

Moo-Puc,…
Read Full Term Paper

Sources Used in Documents:

References

Anderson, K., Revelle, W., & Lynch, M. (2004). Caffeine, impulsivity, and memory scanning: A comparison of two explanations for the Yerkes-Dodson Effect. Neuroscience Letters.

367 (3), 327-331.

Bichler, a.; Swenson, a.; & Harris, M. (2006). A combination of caffeine and taurine has no effect on short-term memory but induces changes in heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure. Amino Acids. 31-940, 471-476.

Moo-Puc, R., Villanueva-Toledo, J., Arankowsky-Sandoval, G., Cercera, F., and Gongora-

Cite This Term Paper:

"Caffeine And Short-Term Memory Caffeine " (2007, June 30) Retrieved January 20, 2021, from
https://www.paperdue.com/essay/caffeine-and-short-term-memory-caffeine-36900

"Caffeine And Short-Term Memory Caffeine " 30 June 2007. Web.20 January. 2021. <
https://www.paperdue.com/essay/caffeine-and-short-term-memory-caffeine-36900>

"Caffeine And Short-Term Memory Caffeine ", 30 June 2007, Accessed.20 January. 2021,
https://www.paperdue.com/essay/caffeine-and-short-term-memory-caffeine-36900

Related Documents:

  • Sleep Has an Affect on Memory, and

    • Words: 1457
    • Length: 4 Pages

    sleep has an affect on memory, and how narcolepsy can affect memory. Finally, it will discuss how to avoid sleep deprivation. SLEEP DEPRIVATION AND MEMORY Sleep. We cannot live without it, but sometimes, it seems like we would like to. Sleep deprivation has become much more common in our hectic and demanding society. "Like the religious ascetics of medieval times, many people today regard sleep as 'time lost.' They regret that

  • Grumpier Old Men This Movie

    • Words: 2869
    • Length: 8 Pages

    Not only that, the results of eating badly is harmful. Holland and Barrett magazine reports: "If your diet isn't as balanced as you'd hope for, there's a chance you could be missing out on L. Trytophan - an important amino acid that plays a vital role in the production of brain chemicals." If one's diet is lacking it, the safest way to get this supplement is in the form

  • Human Body Have Revealed New

    • Words: 2139
    • Length: 7 Pages

    ..). Because of these problems, employees working under these conditions also suffer from more vehicle related accidents. In particular, individuals working evening and night shifts are more likely to fall asleep on their way home after work. Statistics demonstrate that "...41% of extended hours employees reported nodding off while driving compared with 28% of day workers" (Extended hours...). What this effectively suggests is that firefighters and first responders face a

  • Aviation Effects of Fatigue in

    • Words: 1574
    • Length: 5 Pages

    Employers should make an attempt to educate their crewmembers better on fatigue, and a regular basis of training is required. Healthy lifestyles that encourage exercise, fitness, a proper diet, and obtaining the appropriate sleep must be encouraged. Employers should also take time to create a team-oriented atmosphere in which the crewmembers can come to management with issues that may be affecting his or her sleep patterns. Employers who provide sleeping

  • Marijuana Legalization

    • Words: 3159
    • Length: 10 Pages

    Marijuana Legalization Marijuana, also known as marihuana, is a drug that is taken from Cannabis sativa, a hemp plant. It is one of the most frequently used and popular drugs in the world along with caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol. The United States of America is one of the world's leading producers of marijuana where it is generally smoked and is also referred to as weed or reefer by the citizens ("marijuana"). Marijuana

  • Relationship Between Hours of Sleep and Both of Satisfaction With...

    • Words: 1129
    • Length: 3 Pages

    Hours of Sleep, Life Satisfaction & Cognitive Functioning Cognitive Functioning RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HOURS OF SLEEP, SATISFACTION WITH LIFE AND COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING Relationship between Hours of Sleep and Both of Satisfaction with Life and Cognitive Functioning Proper sleeping hours are very important for our body's functioning. When a person is sleeping, his body is in the process of repair; thus allowing his brain to have some rest and the needed down time. There are many

  • Social Problem - Drug Abuse

    • Words: 2108
    • Length: 5 Pages

    Education to both addicts and non-addicts is important since it discourages those people who have not started taking drugs and informs those who are addicted on the consequences they are likely to face. The government should facilitate the setting up of more businesses so us to provide employment opportunities for ex-addicts who are undergoing treatment and those who have completed treatment. This will make their minds to be occupied with