For this activity, you will need to recruit the help of at least three different individuals. The conversation can take place over the phone, in person, or in a web meeting. The persons you choose will need to have a pen and paper available. Tell them you are going to slowly read a list of 17 words aloud. They must listen only and not write down anything you say. Explain they will have a chance in a few minutes to recall as many words as they can and at that point, they will list them on their sheet of paper.
Begin reading the following list (you will notice that all of the words but one are related to sleeping):
Dream
Insomnia
Mattress
Comforter
Snore
Sleepwalking
Kitchen
Yawn
Night
Nap
Drowsy
Bed
Pillow
Rest
Doze
Blanket
Sleep
Read slowly, clearly, and have a slight pause between each word. When you have finished reading the list, begin talking about something entirely different for a full minute but do not make it obvious you are stalling. You could comment on the shirt they are wearing or make the random comment that you are hungry and should grab some food when this is over. Once you finish with the distractive talking, ask the participant to write down as many words as they can recall that you listed. The words do not have to be in any particular order.
When your testing is complete with your three individuals, write a summary of the results, how each person responded when they heard their results, and what you have observed and learned from this activity. Upload the document into Canvas when you are done for grading.
The point of this lesson is to show it is important to stay focused on what someone is saying especially if you have to recall the information to complete a task or request.
