George Miller theorized that the average number of "bits" of information that short-term memory can usually handle is _____, while Nelson Cowan believes that STM may actually hold only _____ items, unless some chunking has occurred.
A)four; two
B)five; three
C)seven; four
D)ten; seven

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

George Miller theorized that STM can hold 7 plus or minus 2 items, which is generally rounded to 7. However, Nelson Cowan believes that STM may only hold 4 items unless chunking occurs. Therefore, choice C is the best answer as it includes both theories.

George Miller Theorized That the Average Number of "Bits" of Information