Question

Research has shown that short-term memory lasts from about ........... seconds without rehearsal.

• A. 12 to 30
• B. 8 to 10
• C. 5 to 8
• D. 3 to 5

Hint:

Remember two key numbers for short-term memory: capacity is the "Magic Number 7" (plus or minus 2) chunks of information, and duration is about 15-30 seconds without rehearsal. These are classic figures in psychology.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks for the duration of short-term memory (STM) when maintenance rehearsal (the process of repeating information to keep it in STM) is prevented.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Classic studies on the duration of short-term memory, such as the one conducted by Lloyd and Margaret Peterson (1959), demonstrated that information in STM decays very rapidly if it is not actively rehearsed. In their experiment, participants were asked to remember three-consonant trigrams and then count backward by threes to prevent rehearsal. They found that recall ability dropped sharply over time.
The generally accepted duration of short-term memory based on this and subsequent research is typically cited as being between 15 and 30 seconds. The option "12 to 30 seconds" is the most accurate and inclusive range provided.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The most widely cited duration for unrehearsed short-term memory is approximately 12 to 30 seconds.