Abstract
The purpose of this study was to isolate the effects of melodic complexity with and without rhythm on working memory as measured
by sequential monosyllabic digit recall performance. The recall of information paired with 6 different melodies was tested on 60
university students. Melodies were built upon 3, 5, and 7 notes, and each level contained a rhythmic sequence and a nonrhythmic
sequence. Results indicated that there was no significant difference between recall of music majors and nonmusic majors, although
music majors tended to outperform nonmusic majors. There was a significant difference in the within-subject variable of rhythm: The
mean recall of information paired with a rhythmic component was higher than recall of information not paired with a rhythmic component.
Congruent with existing research, participants recalled information in serial positions of primacy and recency most accurately.
Suggestions for future research and implications for clinical practice are provided.