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Related Concept Videos

System of Memory01:23

System of Memory

Memory is categorized into three major systems: sensory memory, short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM). These systems differ in their capacity and the duration for which they can hold information. Sensory memory captures raw sensory input from the environment, holding it for just a few seconds or less. For example, on hearing a brief, loud sound, like a car horn honking, the sound seems to linger in the mind for a moment even after it stops. This is an instance of sensory memory...
Working Memory01:24

Working Memory

Working memory refers to a combination of components, including short-term memory and attention, that allow an individual to hold information temporarily as we perform cognitive tasks. It is an essential cognitive function that enables the execution of complex tasks such as problem-solving, comprehension, and reasoning. Unlike short-term memory, which simply involves the storage of information for a brief period, working memory involves the active manipulation and processing of this information.
Chunking and Rehearsal in Sensory Memory01:22

Chunking and Rehearsal in Sensory Memory

Improving short-term memory can be achieved through techniques like chunking and rehearsal. Chunking involves organizing information into larger, more manageable units. This technique is particularly useful for information that exceeds the typical memory span of between five and nine items. For instance, logging into an online account with a password like "ta89vq0179gz" involves grouping letters and numbers into three chunks—ta89, vq01, and 79gz. It makes large amounts of information more...
Sensory Memory01:14

Sensory Memory

Sensory memory captures information from the environment in its original form for a very brief duration, just long enough to be exposed to visual, auditory, and other senses. This type of memory is detailed and rich but quickly lost unless certain strategies are employed to transfer it into short-term or long-term memory. Sensory information is continuously bombarding the human brain, yet only a small fraction is absorbed, as most of it does not significantly impact daily life. For instance,...
Long-Term Memory01:18

Long-Term Memory

Long-term memory is a relatively permanent type of memory, capable of storing vast amounts of information over extended periods. Its storage capacity is generally considered unlimited.
Long-term memory can be categorized into two primary types: explicit and implicit memory. Explicit memory, also known as declarative memory, involves the conscious recollection of information that we deliberately try to remember, recall, and articulate. This type of memory encompasses specific facts, events, and...
Storage01:23

Storage

A schema is a mental framework that helps individuals organize and interpret information. Schemata, formed from previous experiences, influence how we process new information: how we encode it, the inferences we make, and how we retrieve it. For instance, a schema for what a typical classroom looks like might include desks, a teacher's desk, a whiteboard, and students in such an environment. This expectation helps us quickly understand and navigate new classrooms without needing to analyze each...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 29, 2026

Using Rapid Serial Visual Presentation to Measure Set-Specific Capture, a Consequence of Distraction While Multitasking
05:58

Using Rapid Serial Visual Presentation to Measure Set-Specific Capture, a Consequence of Distraction While Multitasking

Published on: August 29, 2018

Does visual short-term memory have a high-capacity stage?

Michi Matsukura1, Andrew Hollingworth

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. michi-matsukura@uiowa.edu

Psychonomic Bulletin & Review
|September 22, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This study challenges the idea of a high-capacity visual short-term memory (VSTM) stage. Findings support VSTM as a limited-capacity system, with extensive practice explaining prior high-capacity claims.

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Last Updated: May 29, 2026

Using Rapid Serial Visual Presentation to Measure Set-Specific Capture, a Consequence of Distraction While Multitasking
05:58

Using Rapid Serial Visual Presentation to Measure Set-Specific Capture, a Consequence of Distraction While Multitasking

Published on: August 29, 2018

A Real-world What-Where-When Memory Test
09:13

A Real-world What-Where-When Memory Test

Published on: May 16, 2017

Eye Movement Monitoring of Memory
08:06

Eye Movement Monitoring of Memory

Published on: August 15, 2010

Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Visual short-term memory (VSTM) is traditionally viewed as a limited-capacity system.
  • Recent research suggested a fragile, high-capacity VSTM stage accessible early after memory array removal.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the existence of an early, high-capacity form of VSTM.
  • To corroborate or refute claims of a distinct, high-capacity VSTM stage.

Main Methods:

  • Four experiments were conducted to test VSTM capacity.
  • Participants' performance was assessed under conditions designed to reveal early VSTM stages.

Main Results:

  • No evidence was found for VSTM retention exceeding traditional capacity limits.
  • Performance similar to previous high-capacity findings was achieved through extensive practice.

Conclusions:

  • The evidence supports the standard model of VSTM as a limited-capacity system.
  • Extensive practice offers a plausible explanation for previously reported high-capacity VSTM findings.