Preliminary observations of digit retention in Pakistani population

Test of digit retention was carried out to investigate if the usually accepted norm of 7 forward digit retention holds true in our population. The highest mean score of 8.85 was obtained by executives. Professionals scored a mean of 8.08 followed by students [7.81]. Housewives, skilled workers and unskilled workers scored less than the accepted norm of 7 digit forward retention. A strong influence of vocational and socio-cultural background in ability to score in this test is shown in this study and it must be considered when passing judgement on the patient's mental abilities in clinical assessment