Question

During a memory test, diamond listens as a list of numbers is read to her. when the list is done she has to repeat the numbers from memory. each time she correctly recalls all of the numbers, another number is added to the list. if diamond has an average capacity of short-term storage, she should remember about __________ (plus or minus 2) numbers before she starts making errors.

Answer 1

She can remember about seven items, with the number ranging from five to nine. The function of short term memory is to store bursts of information for a short duration of time. A phone number has seven digits, and that is a perfect example of the use of short term memory. People given a phone number can usually store it and recall it several minutes later, but in a week, they will forget.

Answer 2

Short-term memory or active memory is the information we are presently aware of or thinking about. Its duration is very brief -- last only for 20 seconds. It is also limited – it can hold only seven plus or minus 2 items. If Diamond shows an average capacity of short-term storage in her memory test, she should remember about 7 numbers before she starts making errors.