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

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