a basic assumption underlying short-term memory is that it is

Breiz Heurope

2 min read

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10-03-2025

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Short-term memory (STM), also known as working memory, is a crucial cognitive function responsible for temporarily holding information readily available for processing. A fundamental assumption underlying our understanding of STM is that it has a limited capacity. This means we can only hold a small amount of information in our conscious awareness at any given time. This limitation isn't simply about the amount of information, but also its type and how it's processed.

The Magical Number Seven, Plus or Minus Two

One of the most famous studies on STM capacity was conducted by George Miller in 1956. His research suggested that the average adult can hold approximately 7 ± 2 (5-9) items in STM at once. This "magical number seven" became a cornerstone of cognitive psychology. However, it's important to note that the capacity isn't fixed; it depends on several factors, including:

• Chunking: We can increase our STM capacity by grouping individual items into larger, meaningful units (chunks). For example, remembering a phone number (e.g., 555-1212) is easier than remembering twelve individual digits. This demonstrates that the capacity limitation is more about the number of chunks than the number of individual bits of information.

• Rehearsal: Repeating information mentally extends the time it remains in STM. This active maintenance prevents the information from decaying and being lost. Without rehearsal, information fades quickly.

• Type of Information: The nature of the information itself impacts STM capacity. Some types of information (like visually similar items) are harder to remember than others (like distinct sounds or words).

Beyond Simple Storage: Active Processing

The limited capacity of STM isn't just about temporary storage; it's also about the active manipulation and processing of information. STM isn't a passive holding area; it's a dynamic workspace where we actively work with information to solve problems, make decisions, and understand language. This active processing is often described as working memory.

The Working Memory Model

Baddeley and Hitch's model of working memory is a more nuanced view of STM than the simple storage model. This model proposes that working memory comprises multiple components:

• Central Executive: This is the control center that coordinates the other components. It directs attention, selects strategies, and manages the flow of information.

• Phonological Loop: This component processes auditory information, like spoken words or sounds.

• Visuospatial Sketchpad: This processes visual and spatial information.

• Episodic Buffer: This integrates information from different sources into a unified representation.

This model emphasizes the dynamic and active nature of STM, highlighting its role in complex cognitive tasks. The limited capacity applies to each component of the working memory system, making it a key factor in how we handle information.

Implications of Limited Capacity

The limited capacity of STM has significant consequences for our cognitive abilities:

• Cognitive Overload: When faced with more information than STM can handle, we experience cognitive overload. This can lead to errors, reduced performance, and difficulty focusing.

• Information Loss: Information not actively maintained in STM fades quickly, leading to forgetting.

• Problem-Solving Limitations: The capacity constraint limits the amount of information we can simultaneously process, which influences our ability to solve complex problems.

Conclusion

The limited capacity of short-term memory is a fundamental assumption that shapes our understanding of cognition. While research continues to refine our understanding of STM's complexities, the constraint on the amount of information we can consciously process at any one time remains a central aspect of its functioning, influencing our performance on a vast range of cognitive tasks. Understanding this limitation is crucial for designing effective learning strategies, optimizing human-computer interaction, and appreciating the limits of our cognitive abilities.