The webpage, located at http://dcity.org/brain-games/memory-for-pennies, is an online version of the "Penny Memory Test." It is a simple graphic of several pennies; the object is to choose the picture that corresponds to a real penny. This exercise can be used (with students of any age or level) to illustrate that we often do not process common, everyday objects sufficiently to encode them into long-term memory. The page is part of a larger website called DCity (developed by Gary Muhonen) that contains additional "brain games" and poker strategies.
Type of Material:
Quiz/test
Recommended Uses:
This page can be used in class when discussing long-term memory and retention strategies.
Technical Requirements:
This learning object requires an Internet connection and a compatible browser. It was tested using Windows 7, Mozilla Firefox (v10.0.2), Internet Explorer (v8.0.7), and Google Chrome (v25.0.1). It is compatible with Safari on iPad3 and iPhone4. Mac OS and other mobile devices were not tested. No ADAA compliance tested.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
The learner will develop an appreciation for how often we confuse frequency of interaction with an object and knowledge of that object. The goal is to illustrate that we must process information (think about it, rehearse it, etc.) in order to retain it in long-term memory.
Target Student Population:
This material could be used with students of any age or level and is best suited for courses in which information about the human memory system is part of the content (e.g., Introductory Psychology, Human Cognition, etc.).
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
None.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The graphic is clear, and appropriate references are given.
Concerns:
None.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
This is a simple exercise but effectively demonstrates that we sometimes think we have information in long-term memory when, in fact, we do not. It is useful in getting students to think about how often they may confuse exposure with encoding.
Concerns:
None.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The test is exceptionally easy to use in class as long as there is an Internet connection.
Concerns:
None.
Creative Commons:
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