In terms of memory, what is the significance of the "7 +/- 2" rule?

• A. It represents the average lifespan of long-term memory
• B. It indicates the typical number of items short-term memory can hold
• C. It denotes the range of cognitive functions
• D. It is a measure of sensory memory duration

Answer: (B)

The "7 +/- 2" rule, proposed by psychologist George Miller in 1956, highlights that the average number of objects an individual can hold in their short-term memory is typically around seven, with a variance of about two items in either direction. This means that a person can usually remember between five to nine discrete items in their short-term memory at any given time. This concept is significant because it illustrates the limitations of human memory capacity, particularly in terms of how information can be processed and recalled within a brief timeframe.

Understanding this rule has important implications for various fields, including education and cognitive psychology, as it informs strategies for information presentation and retention. For example, educational materials might be structured to accommodate this limitation, enhancing learning by organizing information into smaller, manageable chunks instead of overwhelming students with large amounts of data at once.

In contrast, the other choices touch upon different aspects of memory and cognitive processes that do not relate specifically to the limits of short-term memory capacity. The average lifespan of long-term memory, the range of cognitive functions, and the duration of sensory memory do not connect directly to the "7 +/- 2" rule's focus on short-term memory limits.