Comparative Study of Working Memory amongst College Students

Abstract

This study comparatively analysed the impact of academic stream (Science, Social Science, Arts), gender (male, female), and geographical background (urban, rural) on working memory (WM) performance in 300 undergraduate students aged 18–24, selected through convenience sampling with equal representation from each stream. WM was assessed using three subtests—Digit Span, Arithmetic, and Letter-Number Sequencing from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-III), a tool with high reliability and validity. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and independent samples t-tests. Results showed a significant difference in WM scores across academic streams (F = 6.451, p < 0.01). Post hoc comparisons revealed that Social Science students scored significantly higher than Arts students (p < 0.01). No significant difference was found between Science and Social Science students. Urban students scored significantly higher than rural students (p < 0.05). No significant gender difference was observed, although males had a slightly higher mean score.