Short Term Memory in Psychology

Short Term Memory: Short Questions

some short questions and their answers based on the topic of Short-Term Memory (STM) in psychology:

1. What is Short-Term Memory (STM)?

   • Answer: STM refers to the temporary storage of information in the brain for immediate use.

2. How many items can the average person hold in STM?

   • Answer: The average person can hold about 5-9 items in STM, often referred to as the “magic number 7 ± 2.”

3. What is the duration of STM?

   • Answer: STM has a limited duration, typically retaining information for a few seconds to a minute or two.

4. What is maintenance rehearsal?

   • Answer: Maintenance rehearsal involves repeating information over and over to keep it in STM.

5. How does chunking help in STM?

   • Answer: Chunking is a strategy where information is organized into meaningful groups, making it easier to retain and process in STM.

6. Which part of the brain is associated with STM?

   • Answer: STM is primarily associated with the prefrontal cortex and other parts of the frontal lobe.

7. What role does the hippocampus play in STM?

   • Answer: The hippocampus plays a role in transferring information from STM to long-term memory (LTM).

8. How do distractions affect STM?

   • Answer: External distractions, such as noise or interruptions, can disrupt the retention of information in STM.

9. Does STM capacity decline with age?

   • Answer: Yes, STM capacity tends to decline with age, although the rate and extent of decline can vary among individuals.

10. Why is STM important in everyday life?

• Answer: STM is essential for tasks such as following instructions, making decisions, and problem-solving in daily life.

These short questions and answers provide a concise overview of key aspects related to Short-Term Memory (STM) in psychology.