The Effect of Gender on Memory Performance

in Men and Women Ages 20 to 35.

 

 

Erica Alleman, Michelle R. Groncki, and Dr. Lauren Fowler, Psychology Department, Weber State University, Ogden, UT 84408-1202.

 

Topic Area: Psychology

 

Presentation Format: Poster Session

 

 

 

 

 

 

Erica Alleman (corresponding and lead author) email:  e_alleman@msn.com

Phone: 801-397-0336 Fax: 801-626-6275

Michelle Groncki email: groncki@comcast.net

Phone: 801-731-8054                                                                                     

Dr. Lauren Fowler email: lfowler@weber.edu

Phone: 801-626-6247 Fax: 801-626-6275

 

The Effect of Gender on Memory Performance in Men and Women Ages

20 to 35.

 

Erica Alleman, Michelle R. Groncki, and Dr. Lauren Fowler, Psychology Department, Weber State University, Ogden, UT 84408-1202.

 

This study examined the effect of gender and performance on gender specific memory tasks in a young adult population.  Numerous studies have assessed the difference between genders on gender specific memory tasks.   Most studies show a strong difference between genders on gender specific memory, such as short-term verbal and spatial memory.  Men are more likely to perform better than women on spatial memory tasks and women are more likely to perform better then men on short-term verbal memory tasks. (Maccoby & Jacklin, 1974; Lynn & Petersen, 1985)  This study tested 19 participants, ages 20 to 35, who were tested twice over a two-week period.  The Brown-Peterson Technique Test was used to assess short-term retention of verbal memory and the Wechsler Block Design Test was used to assess spatial memory at each testing session.  In addition, women were asked about phase of their menstrual cycle to estimate estrogen levels.  Men and women were then compared based on gender, estimated estrogen level, and memory performance.  A multivariate, factorial analysis indicated that, contrary to previous findings, gender had no impact on short-term verbal and spatial memory performance, regardless of estrogen levels.   These findings suggest that gender differences may be attributed to other factors in this age group.  Implications will be discussed.