[Sequential verbal memory for three and four syllables in school children].

BACKGROUND

Auditory memory ability.

AIM

To characterize the auditory memory ability for verbal sequences in children with ages ranging from 3 to 12 years.

METHOD

A memory test for verbal sequences was used, as well as a variation with the addition of one syllable to each sequence. Participants were 223 students of public and private schools.

RESULTS

All subjects repeated at least two out of the three sequences of three syllables. At the age of nine, they were capable of repeating all of the three sequences. At the age of six, they repeated at least two out of the three sequences of four syllables.

CONCLUSION

The behavioral responses to verbal sounds presented in sequences, improves as children grow older. Children of private schools demonstrated an earlier development of this ability.