It is really interesting how the human mind is, between different people the approach they take to solving the same problem can vary enormously. On a reverse digit span test for example, the subject is briefly presented with a series of numbers one at a time and then asked to repeat the numbers backwards. There are two primary ways in which this problem can be solved. Some people will visualize the numbers as they are presented to them, and then read them backwards from short term visual memory. Other people will loop the numbers in their mind, for example with the series: 1, 5, 11, 20, 12 they would say in their mind: 1, then 1, 5, then 1, 5, 11 then 1, 5, 11, 20 then 1, 5, 11, 20, 12 then they would repeat the series verbally in their mind until coming to the next number to say: 1, 5, 11, 20, say 12 1, 5, 11, say 20 1, 5, say 11 1, say 5 say 1 I am very good at this test and use the verbal short term memory method (I believe it is called phonological looping, whereas the visual method is called visuospatial sketching). Another example would be if you are asked to say 'what letter comes after x in the alphabet?' some people visually recall the letters of the alphabet and simply look at the letter to the right of x. Others would recite the alphabet quickly in their mind: a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, q, r, s, t, u, v, w, x, say y