Perhaps, thinking has capacity {thinking capacity}. Optimum group size is three items.
Perhaps, mental function has only one information channel, which has maximum serial information-flow rate {capacity model of memory}. Channel is for both data processing and storage. If one increases, the other must decrease. Channel is for both semantic and syntactic processing. Poor readers with low information rate can use only one processing type, but good readers can use both simultaneously.
Perhaps, concepts or perceptions can be sets {chunk, capacity}| of previous concepts or perceptions. Chunk can contain several smaller chunks, by grouping in space or time {chunking} [Cowan, 2001] [Miller, 1956]. Number of chunks that people can keep in immediate memory is seven, plus or minus two. Chunking can synchronize information subsets into unit in time [Miller, 1962]. Bigger chunks can cause weaker memory. For example, longer vowel sounds reduce memory, because it takes longer to articulate items.
Perhaps, mind as whole has processing capacity, and modules have processing capacities {consolidation theory}.
People can recall approximately seven independent verbal items {chunk, memory}, such as digits, letters, syllables, or words, after hearing them once. Range is five to nine items {memory span}. Chunks are single meaningful symbols, so consonant series are not chunks. Number of verbal short-term-memory items inversely relates to remembering ease. If verbal short-term memory is full, a new item causes immediate forgetting of a previous item.
Perhaps, mind transforms information flowing through communication channels, so memory has limited capacity {mental capacity}. Content in short-term memory decays but can go to long-term memory if rehearsed.
Perhaps, immediate memory has seven registers {slot theory}. People remember fewer items if items are similar or complex.
6-Psychology-Cognition-Memory-Theories
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Date Modified: 2022.0225