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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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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