In the Brown-Peterson test, subjects read a trigram (an unpronounceable series of three letters), and are then asked to count backwards by threes from a given number. What is the purpose of having the subjects count backward?
A) To test if the subject can multitask.
B) To test if they can remember how to subtract.
C) To interfere with the subject's ability to rehearse the trigram.
D) To determine if numerical and phonetic memories are stored in different areas of the brain.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The purpose of having the subjects count backwards is to interfere with the subject's ability to rehearse the trigram, which helps test their short-term memory. By having them engage in a secondary task that occupies their working memory, it becomes more difficult for them to retain the information about the trigram in their short-term memory.

In the Brown-Peterson Test, Subjects Read a Trigram (An Unpronounceable