Short-term memory

Definition

Short-term memory is the capacity for holding a small amount of information in an active, readily available state for a brief period. It plays a crucial role in daily functioning by allowing individuals to process and retain information needed for immediate tasks, such as following directions or remembering a phone number long enough to dial it. The understanding of short-term memory is essential as it connects with concepts like cognitive development, learning processes, and how individuals interact with their environment during various stages of growth.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Short-term memory typically has a limited capacity, often cited as being able to hold around 7 plus or minus 2 items at one time.
2. The duration of short-term memory is usually around 15 to 30 seconds without rehearsal or active maintenance.
3. Information in short-term memory can be lost or forgotten quickly, which highlights the importance of rehearsal techniques for retention.
4. Age can affect short-term memory capacity and performance, with younger individuals often demonstrating better recall abilities compared to older adults.
5. Short-term memory plays a critical role in learning new information and skills, serving as a temporary workspace for processing information before it is either discarded or transferred to long-term memory.

Review Questions

• How does short-term memory differ from long-term memory in terms of capacity and duration?
  • Short-term memory has a limited capacity and can typically hold about 7 items for approximately 15 to 30 seconds. In contrast, long-term memory has a much larger capacity and can store information for extended periods, sometimes even a lifetime. This difference is significant because it affects how we process information and decide what to remember or forget as we learn and grow.
• Discuss the role of chunking in enhancing short-term memory performance.
  • Chunking is a strategy that improves short-term memory by grouping individual pieces of information into larger, more manageable units. By organizing data into meaningful chunks, individuals can increase their ability to retain and recall information effectively. This method takes advantage of our brain's natural tendency to recognize patterns, making it easier to remember larger quantities of information than if each item were treated separately.
• Evaluate the impact of cognitive load on short-term memory processing and learning outcomes.
  • Cognitive load significantly impacts short-term memory processing because it determines how much information can be handled at once. When cognitive load is high, the working memory becomes overwhelmed, leading to decreased performance in tasks requiring attention and recall. Understanding cognitive load helps educators design learning experiences that align with students' short-term memory capacities, ensuring that instruction is effective and supports better retention of new information.

Related terms

Working Memory:

Working memory is a part of short-term memory that actively processes and manipulates information rather than just storing it temporarily.

Chunking:

Chunking is a memory technique that involves grouping pieces of information together to improve short-term memory retention and recall.

Cognitive Load: Cognitive load refers to the total amount of mental effort being used in the working memory, which can impact learning and information retention.