Final answer:
Our working memory can typically recall about 4 plus or minus 1 pieces of information at a time. Chunking and acoustic encoding are effective strategies to enhance memory recall, and we tend to lose a significant fraction of new information shortly after learning it due to memory decay.
Step-by-step explanation:
Our working memory can typically recall 4 plus or minus 1 pieces of information at a time. This contemporary finding by Cowan in 2010 contrasts with earlier research by Miller in 1956 which suggested that short-term memory could hold 7 plus or minus 2 items.
Strategies like chunking help organize information into manageable units, making it easier to remember. For instance, remembering a phone number as 520-555-0467 instead of 5205550467 can enhance recall. Moreover, acoustic encoding tends to be more effective than visual encoding, meaning we recall information we hear better than information we see.
It's noteworthy too that Ebbinghaus's studies on memorization revealed a significant decline in memory retention over time, where 50% of memorized information could be lost after 20 minutes. Our brain utilizes various processes, such as storage, construction, and suggestibility, to manage memory effectively.
Additionally, the prefrontal cortex is critical for organizing information and can be tested through exercises such as the set generation test. Ultimately, while our short-term memory capacity has limitations, there are a number of methods and strategies that can aid in the retention and recall of information.