Memory span

Memory span
The number of items, usually words or numbers, that a person can retain and recall. Memory span is a test of working memory (short-term memory). In a typical test of memory span, an examiner reads a list of random numbers aloud at about the rate of one number per second. At the end of a sequence, the person being tested is asked to recall the items in order. The average span for normal adults is seven.

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memory span n the greatest amount (as the longest series of letters or digits) that can be perfectly reproduced by a subject after a single presentation by the experimenter

Medical dictionary. 2011.

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  • Memory span — In psychology and neuroscience, memory span is the longest list of items that a person can repeat back in correct order immediately after presentation on 50% of all trials. Items may include words, numbers, or letters. The task is known as digit… …   Wikipedia

  • memory span — noun The number of items, usually words or numbers, that a person can retain and recall. Memory span is a test of working memory (short term memory). [ …   Wiktionary

  • memory span — noun : the greatest amount (as the longest series of letters or digits) that can be perfectly reproduced by the subject after a single presentation by the experimenter * * * memory span noun (psychology) The capacity of a person s short term… …   Useful english dictionary

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  • memory-span — adjective noun …   Wiktionary

  • memory span — how far back a person can remember …   English contemporary dictionary

  • Memory, recent — Short term memory. Also called working memory. Recent memory is a system for temporarily storing and managing the information required to carry out complex cognitive tasks such as learning, reasoning, and comprehension. Recent memory is involved… …   Medical dictionary

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  • Memory, working — Short term (recent) memory. Working memory is a system for temporarily storing and managing the information required to carry out complex cognitive tasks such as learning, reasoning, and comprehension. Working memory is involved in the selection …   Medical dictionary

  • span — n. 1) a brief span 2) an attention; life; memory span 3) in a span (in the brief span of ten years) * * * [spæn] life memory span a brief span an attention in a span (in the brief span of ten years) …   Combinatory dictionary

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