Memory span is classified as a specific, narrow ability in the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) theory. It represents a direct measure of cognitive ability that breaks down from the broader ability of short-term memory.

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Short-term memory (STM) serves as a temporary storage system that processes incoming information from sensory memory. It is capable of retaining a limited amount of data for a brief duration of 15 to 30 seconds. While in this active state, short-term memory can also integrate new sensory input with existing knowledge retrieved from long-term memory. Although often confused with working memory, short-term memory is more accurately classified as a distinct sub-component within the broader working memory framework.

Short-term Memory (STM)

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

A promising avenue for improvement of short-term memory (STM) capacity has been the introduction of mindfulness meditation (MM). Mindfulness interventions can improve attentional control and reduce psychological stress, two especially vital processes of working memory (WM) performance. 

Mindfulness approach to improving short-term memory (STM)

Short-term memory is the result of strengthening the preexisting proteins in the synapses. Contrastingly, long-term memory comes from the creation of new synaptic connections. In other words, long-term memory changes the anatomy of the brain, but short-term memory does not.   

Memory's Relationship to the Synapses

Rehearsal is a memory-enhancing strategy that involves the conscious repetition of information that needs to be remembered. According to Craik & Watkins (1973), this process is utilized to transfer information from short-term memory to long-term memory.

Rehearsal

A helpful analogy for understanding short-term memory is comparing it to a computer screen. The information currently displayed on the monitor, such as an active document, represents short-term memory—it is immediately accessible but temporary. To retain this information permanently, it must be saved to the computer's hard drive, which corresponds to long-term memory. If the application is closed without saving, the data is lost, just as information in short-term memory is discarded.

Computer Screen Analogy for Short-Term Memory

Peterson and Peterson (1959) investigated short-term memory using trigrams, which are three-letter sequences such as CLS. Participants were asked to recall these trigrams after delays ranging from 3 to 18 seconds. The results showed that participants recalled approximately 80% of the trigrams after a 3-second delay, but this dropped to only 10% after an 18-second delay, leading the researchers to conclude that short-term memory decays within 18 seconds.

Peterson and Peterson's Study on Short-Term Memory Decay

Based on the principles of information storage, explain why the person likely forgot the phone number. Your explanation should focus on the characteristics of the specific, temporary memory system being used to hold the number before dialing.

Forgetting a Phone Number

Although the terms 'short-term memory' and 'working memory' are frequently used interchangeably, they represent distinct psychological concepts. Short-term memory specifically refers to the temporary storage system holding incoming sensory information. In contrast, working memory is a more comprehensive system that encompasses this temporary storage. Consequently, short-term memory is most accurately conceptualized as a sub-component operating within the larger working memory framework.

Distinction Between Short-Term Memory and Working Memory

The retention of information in short-term memory is influenced by two factors: memory trace decay and interference.

Factors Affecting Short-Term Memory Retention

Memory Span in CHC Theory

Working memory capacity is a psychological characteristic that refers to an individual's ability to simultaneously hold and process multiple pieces of information in their mind. In cognitive psychology, this capacity can be quantified using systematic measurement procedures.

Working Memory Capacity

To explore the capacity and duration of short-term memory, individuals can work through a recall exercise where a partner reads strings of random numbers out loud, beginning each string by saying, "Ready?" and ending each by saying, "Recall." The listener then attempts to write down the string of numbers from memory. The longest string correctly recalled indicates the individual's short-term memory capacity.

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