MEMORY SPAN Meaning and
Definition
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Memory span refers to the cognitive ability to retain and recall information within a specific timeframe. It is the measure of how much information an individual can hold and recall in their working memory. Memory span is often assessed through tests or tasks that require individuals to remember and repeat sequences of digits, words, or other stimuli immediately after their presentation.
The capacity of memory span is limited and can vary among individuals. Generally, it is believed that the average memory span for adults falls within the range of five to nine items. However, factors such as age, intelligence, and the nature of the stimuli being remembered can influence an individual's memory span.
The concept of memory span is closely related to short-term memory, which refers to the temporary storage and manipulation of information needed for immediate tasks. Research suggests that memory span is influenced by the duration of time that information must be held in memory, as well as the nature of the material being remembered.
Memory span is often used as an indicator or measure of an individual's working memory capacity. Working memory is the cognitive system responsible for holding and manipulating information necessary for complex cognitive tasks such as problem-solving, comprehension, and learning. By understanding an individual's memory span, researchers and educators can gain insight into their cognitive abilities and devise strategies for improving memory and information processing skills.
Common Misspellings for MEMORY SPAN
- nemory span
- kemory span
- jemory span
- mwmory span
- msmory span
- mdmory span
- mrmory span
- m4mory span
- m3mory span
- menory span
- mekory span
- mejory span
- memiry span
- memkry span
- memlry span
- mempry span
- mem0ry span
- mem9ry span
- memoey span
- memody span
Etymology of MEMORY SPAN
The etymology of the word "memory span" can be broken down as follows:
1. Memory: The word "memory" comes from the Latin "memoria" which meant "faculty of remembering" or "remembrance". It is derived from the verb "memor" which means "mindful" or "remembering". The Latin word ultimately traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*men-" which meant "to think" or "to remember".
2. Span: The word "span" originally referred to the distance between the tip of the thumb and the tip of the little finger when the hand is fully spread. This sense comes from the Old English word "spann", and it can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic root "*spannō" which means "distance between the tips of the thumb and little finger".
