Final answer:
The capacity of short-term memory is commonly thought to be 7 units of information, according to George Miller's findings, but recent studies suggest it may be closer to 4 units. Memory capacity can vary depending on type and encoding of information. Short-term memory acts as a temporary storage system, much like a computer's RAM.
Step-by-step explanation:
The typical capacity of short-term memory (STM) for most individuals is approximately 7 units of information, a finding famously identified by George Miller in 1956 as 'the magic number seven, plus or minus two'. However, recent research has suggested that the true capacity may be closer to 4 units of information, plus or minus one. This capacity can differ somewhat depending on whether the information is comprised of random numbers or letters, with numbers generally being recalled more effectively, and whether the information has been heard (acoustic encoding) or seen (visual encoding), with the former typically recalled more easily.
The short-term memory storage is designed to hold a small amount of information for a brief period of time (15 to 30 seconds) before it is either transferred to long-term memory or forgotten. This is similar to having information displayed on a computer screen before deciding to save it to the hard drive or close the application. The concept of memory storage and retrieval is critical to understanding how we process, retain, and recall information.
Overall, while there are various models and theories regarding the specifics of STM capacity, it generally reflects the brain's temporary information storage system, which can hold a limited amount of data for a short period, akin to the RAM of a computer system.