Psychology MCAT Practice Exam 2025 – Complete All-in-One Guide to Ensure Your Success!

Question: 1 / 400

What is the typical capacity of working memory as proposed by Miller?

5+/-2 items

7+/-2 items

Miller's proposal regarding the capacity of working memory is famously encapsulated in the concept often summarized as "the magical number seven, plus or minus two." This means that, on average, individuals can hold approximately seven distinct pieces of information in their working memory at one time, with some variability allowing for a range typically between five and nine items.

This framework has been influential in cognitive psychology as it highlights the limitations of our short-term memory processing capacity. Understanding this capacity can help in various practical applications, such as learning strategies, memory enhancement techniques, and understanding cognitive load during tasks.

While other options reflect different numerical values, they do not align with Miller's established findings, which emphasizes the robust nature of seven as a benchmark for working memory capacity.

Get further explanation with Examzify DeepDiveBeta

9+/-2 items

3+/-2 items

Next Question

Report this question

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy