High School

The capacity of short-term memory in the general population is:

A) Seven plus or minus 2
B) Eight plus or minus 2
C) Seven plus or minus 3
D) Eight plus or minus 3

Answer :

Final answer:

The 'magic number' seven plus or minus two, formulated by George Miller, describes the average short-term memory capacity for most adults. The capacity of short-term memory in the general population is correct option A) Seven plus or minus 2.

Explanation:

The capacity of short-term memory in the general population is often described using the findings of cognitive psychologist George Miller. In 1956, he synthesized research to propose that the average person can hold between five to nine items in their short-term memory. This range led to the formulation of the "magic number" seven plus or minus two as a rule of thumb for the capacity of short-term memory. While more recent studies suggest that the working memory capacity might be around four plus or minus one, Miller's work remains a pivotal reference point in understanding memory capacity. The capacity of short-term memory in the general population is correct option A) Seven plus or minus 2.