Short Term Memory

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

Short term memory stores and allows recall of information for a period of several seconds up to 30 seconds without rehearsal. Its capacity is very limited.

Question 2

Duration of STM

Answer 2

• Duration is a measure of how long a memory can last before it can no longer be recalled.
• STM maximum duration is between 18-30 seconds without rehearsal.

Question 3

Duration of STM - Peterson & Peterson

Answer 3

• Participants presented w/ a constant trigram.
• To prevent maintenance rehearsal they were asked to count backwards in threes.
• After intervals of either 3,6,9,12,15 or 18 seconds, they had to repeat the trigram.
• Participants could remember 90% after 3s, 20% after 9s and less than 10% after 18s.
• In conclusion, information decays quickly when you can’t rehearse it.
• After more research we concluded that STM max duration is between 18-30s without rehearsal.