Short-term memory

Definition

Short-term memory is a cognitive system responsible for temporarily holding and processing a limited amount of information for brief periods, typically ranging from a few seconds to a minute. It acts as a workspace for cognitive tasks, enabling individuals to manipulate and use information actively before it is either forgotten or transferred to long-term memory. This capacity is often described using Miller's Law, which suggests that the average number of objects an individual can hold in their short-term memory is about seven, plus or minus two.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Short-term memory can hold approximately 7 items at once, but this capacity can vary based on individual differences and strategies used.
2. Information in short-term memory can be easily lost if not actively rehearsed or encoded into long-term memory.
3. The duration of information retention in short-term memory is limited, usually lasting about 15 to 30 seconds without rehearsal.
4. Neuroscientific studies show that short-term memory relies on specific brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex, which is essential for maintaining and manipulating information.
5. Distractions or cognitive overload can significantly impair the function of short-term memory, leading to increased forgetfulness.

Review Questions

• How does short-term memory interact with long-term memory during the process of learning new information?
  • Short-term memory acts as a temporary holding area for new information, allowing individuals to process and rehearse it before deciding whether to store it in long-term memory. When new information enters short-term memory, it can be organized through techniques such as chunking, which helps facilitate encoding into long-term storage. Effective learning often involves a cycle where information is repeatedly rehearsed in short-term memory until it is consolidated into long-term memory.
• Discuss the significance of Miller's Law in understanding the limitations of short-term memory capacity.
  • Miller's Law posits that the average person can hold about seven items in their short-term memory simultaneously, with some variability. This finding emphasizes the inherent limitations in human cognitive processing, particularly when attempting to retain complex or numerous pieces of information. Recognizing these limits encourages the use of strategies such as chunking to optimize memory performance and improve retention when dealing with information overload.
• Evaluate the implications of research on short-term memory for educational practices and cognitive development strategies.
  • Research on short-term memory highlights its critical role in effective learning and cognition, suggesting that educational practices should incorporate techniques that support retention and processing. For instance, strategies like spaced repetition and active engagement with material can enhance the transfer of information from short-term to long-term memory. Understanding how factors like cognitive load affect short-term memory performance also informs teaching methods, allowing educators to create environments conducive to optimal learning outcomes by managing complexity and minimizing distractions.

Related terms

Working Memory:

A part of short-term memory that involves the active manipulation and processing of information rather than just storing it.

Chunking:

A strategy to enhance short-term memory by grouping information into larger, more manageable units, making it easier to remember.

Memory Span: The maximum number of items that can be recalled from short-term memory after a single presentation, often measured in psychological tests.