Final answer:
Memory span refers to the number of items that can be held in short-term memory, which is approximately 7 items, plus or minus 2 according to George Miller or 4 plus or minus 1 according to Cowan. The correct answer to the student's question is C. the number of items stored; short-term.
Step-by-step explanation:
Memory span is the number of items that can be held in short-term memory (STM). George Miller's seminal research concluded that the average capacity of short-term memory is about 7 items, plus or minus 2. However, later research by Cowan suggests that for most the capacity for short-term memory is actually closer to 4 items, plus or minus 1. Short-term memory typically lasts around 15 to 30 seconds and is the subset of memory where information is temporarily held and manipulated.
Looking at options provided:
- A: This option incorrectly associates the number of items stored with long-term memory.
- B: While this option mentions the duration of memory storage, it incorrectly links it with short-term memory.
- C: This is the correct option, as it correctly identifies memory span with the number of items held and associates it with short-term memory.
- D: This option incorrectly links the duration of stored information with long-term memory.
Therefore, the correct answer to fill in the blanks for the question "Memory span is ________ and is associated with ________ memory." is C. the number of items stored; short-term.