George Miller

Definition

George Miller was a prominent psychologist known for his contributions to cognitive psychology, particularly in understanding memory and information processing. He is best remembered for his seminal work on the capacity of short-term memory, famously encapsulated in his paper 'The Magical Number Seven, Plus or Minus Two,' which highlighted the limitations of human memory and set the stage for the cognitive revolution, challenging the prevailing behaviorist approaches of his time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Miller's famous paper was published in 1956 and introduced the concept that the average number of items an individual can hold in short-term memory is about seven.
2. He argued that information can be grouped into chunks, which helps increase the capacity of short-term memory, a strategy known as chunking.
3. Miller's work played a crucial role in shifting psychology's focus from behaviorism to cognitive processes, leading to the cognitive revolution in the mid-20th century.
4. He also contributed to our understanding of language and communication, influencing fields beyond psychology, including linguistics and education.
5. Miller co-founded the Center for Cognitive Science at Harvard University, furthering research and collaboration in cognitive psychology.

Review Questions

• How did George Miller's research challenge the existing behaviorist views in psychology?
  • George Miller's research fundamentally challenged behaviorist views by emphasizing the importance of mental processes like memory and cognition. His findings on short-term memory demonstrated that internal cognitive processes could be studied scientifically, countering the behaviorists' focus on observable behaviors. By showing that humans have limitations in processing information, Miller provided evidence for a more nuanced understanding of psychological functioning that included cognitive mechanisms.
• Discuss the implications of Miller's 'Magical Number Seven' concept on our understanding of memory.
  • Miller's 'Magical Number Seven' concept has significant implications for our understanding of memory by illustrating the limitations of short-term storage. It highlights that while we can handle several pieces of information simultaneously, there is a cap on how much we can effectively process without utilizing strategies like chunking. This insight has shaped subsequent research in cognitive psychology and has practical applications in fields like education and information design, where managing cognitive load is crucial.
• Evaluate how George Miller's contributions have influenced contemporary psychological practices and research.
  • George Miller's contributions have profoundly influenced contemporary psychological practices and research by laying foundational concepts in cognitive psychology that are still relevant today. His work encouraged psychologists to investigate mental processes rather than relying solely on behavioral observations. This shift has led to advances in understanding human cognition, memory strategies, and effective learning techniques. Additionally, Miller's influence extends to practical applications such as user experience design and instructional methods that prioritize cognitive efficiency.

Related terms

Short-Term Memory: A temporary storage system that holds information for a brief period, typically around 20-30 seconds, and is limited in capacity.

Cognitive Psychology:

A branch of psychology that focuses on the study of mental processes such as perception, memory, thinking, and problem-solving.

Behaviorism:

A psychological approach that emphasizes observable behaviors and disregards mental processes, arguing that behavior is learned through interaction with the environment.