What describes working memory?

• A. Capacity: 4-7 chunks, Duration: Permanentish
• B. Capacity: 3-7 items, Duration: 0.5-3 seconds
• C. Capacity: Infinite, Duration: 5-15 seconds
• D. Capacity: 7-10 items, Duration: Long-term

Answer: (B)

The description of working memory involves both its capacity and duration characteristics. The correct choice states that working memory has a capacity of 3 to 7 items and a duration of 0.5 to 3 seconds. This aligns with the established psychological understanding of working memory capacity, largely based on George A. Miller's research, which identified that people can typically hold about 5 to 9 items in mind at once, often referred to as "chunking." Additionally, the short duration of 0.5 to 3 seconds reflects the idea that information in working memory is transient and can only be maintained through active manipulation or rehearsal before it is either forgotten or transferred to long-term memory.

The various alternatives describe properties that do not accurately reflect the nature of working memory. For instance, a capacity of 4-7 chunks with a more permanent duration would misrepresent the fleeting nature of working memory. Similarly, a claim of infinite capacity contradicts the foundational limitations of working memory, as does suggesting a duration that extends beyond a few seconds, which would blur the lines between working and long-term memory. Thus, the defined capacity and brief duration highlight the functional challenges and limits of working memory necessary for tasks requiring mental manipulation and problem-solving.