Effects of Time Interval, Age and Gender on Perception and Recall Ability of Nigerian Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Plate Numbering System Using Tachistoscope

Abstract

Aims: To investigate the effects of time interval, age and gender on recall efficacy of Nigerians with the newly introduced vehicular plate numbering system using a tachistoscope. Study Design: A repeated measure design Place and Duration of Study: Ibadan, Nigeria, February 2013 Methodology: One Hundred and thirty one (131) students of the University of Ibadan (65 males and 66 Females) were randomly selected from a list of volunteers. Participants were then exposed to three types of vehicle plate numbers for recall purpose varying the time interval, age and gender. Participants were repeatedly exposed to the tachistoscope over three trials (one for older series – sample A, one for the old series – sample B and one for the new plate number – sample C). Measures were taken on how many information characters were verbally recalled. Results: It was observed that, contrary to expectation and concern of the authors, there was better recall of the latest version (sample C) of the vehicle plate numbering system. There was no significant difference in recall ability by gender or age. In addition, time interval had significant influence on recall ability in that those who recalled immediately performed better than those who had delayed recall. Conclusion: Overall time interval affected both plate number perception and memory recall and there was no effect of gender on perception and memory recall. The recall and recognition results confirmed findings already described in the literature.