For example, Chinese speakers as compared to English speakers had a greater digit span.

The task is known as digit span when numbers are used.

The length of the longest list a person can remember is that person's digit span.

The average digit span for normal adults without error is seven plus or minus two.

Ericsson et al. conducted a study with an undergraduate student "S.F." who had an initial digit span of 7 (within the normal range).

Following more than 230 hours of practice, S.F. was able to increase his digit span to 79.

With the use of mnemonic strategies (practice sessions in the laboratory) he was able to increase his digit span from 7 to 79.

The only reported neurological effect was a statistically significant decrease in simple reaction time and digit span among workers aged 30-44.

For example, digit span may be used to get a sense of attentional difficulties.

"With the first subject, after about 20 hours of training, his digit span had risen from 7 to 20," Ericsson recalls.