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Duration of System 1 and Short Term Memory

Is there any theory of evidence that estimates the capacity of what is commonly referred to as "short term memory" ?


Yes, there are theories and evidence concerning the capacity of short-term memory, which is a critical component of our cognitive system. Short-term memory is often distinguished from working memory, although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Short-term memory primarily refers to the storage of information for a brief period, typically around 20 to 30 seconds, without the active manipulation of that information, which is more characteristic of working memory.


  1. The Magical Number Seven, Plus or Minus Two:

  • As mentioned previously, George A. Miller's 1956 paper, "The Magical Number Seven, Plus or Minus Two," is a foundational work in the study of short-term memory. Miller proposed that the average person can hold about 7 items (plus or minus 2) in their short-term memory. This concept was based on a variety of experiments and observations, notably in the realm of digit span and chunking.

  1. Atkinson-Shiffrin Model:

  • In 1968, Richard Atkinson and Richard Shiffrin proposed a model of memory that included short-term memory as a key component. They suggested that information is transferred from sensory memory to short-term memory, where it can be held temporarily before either being forgotten or encoded into long-term memory. This model helped to delineate the different stages of memory processing.

  1. Duration of Short-Term Memory:

  • Short-term memory is not only limited in capacity but also in duration. Without rehearsal or active maintenance, information in short-term memory tends to fade quickly, typically within 20 to 30 seconds.

  1. Chunking and Capacity:

  • Similar to working memory, the concept of chunking is also relevant to short-term memory. The ability to group information into meaningful or familiar chunks can effectively increase the amount of information that can be held in short-term memory.

  1. Recent Research and Variability:

  • More recent research has continued to explore the nuances of short-term memory, including factors that can affect its capacity. These studies have

  1. Neurological Basis:

  • Advances in neuroimaging and neuroscience have provided insights into the biological basis of short-term memory. Studies have identified regions in the brain, particularly in the prefrontal cortex and the parietal lobes, that are actively involved in short-term memory processes.

  1. Interplay with Working Memory and Long-Term Memory:

  • The relationship between short-term memory and other memory systems, like working memory and long-term memory, is an area of ongoing research. Short-term memory is seen as a crucial step in the process of consolidating information into long-term memory, and its interaction with working memory is complex and dynamic.


In summary, while Miller's theory provides a general benchmark for the capacity of short-term memory, subsequent research has shown that this capacity is influenced by various factors, including the nature of the information and individual cognitive abilities. The current understanding of short-term memory is that it is a dynamic and integral part of our overall memory system, with a capacity that is limited but flexible, depending on how information is processed and organized.

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