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 span when numbers are used. Memory span is a common measure of short-term memory. It is also a component of cognitive ability tests such as the WAIS. Backward memory span is a more challenging variation which involves recalling items in reverse order.
Read more about Memory Span: Memory Span As Functional Aspect, Memory Span As Structural Aspect, Factors Which Affect Memory Span, Digit-span, The Memory Span Procedure, From Simple Span To Complex Span, The Role of Interference in Memory Span
Famous quotes containing the words memory and/or span:
“A man of sense, though born without wit, often lives to have wit. His memory treasures up ideas and reflections; he compares them with new occurrences, and strikes out new lights from the collision. The consequence is sometimes bons mots, and sometimes apothegms.”
—Horace Walpole (1717–1797)
“To course that span of consciousness thou’st named
The Open Road—thy vision is reclaimed!
What heritage thou’st signalled to our hands!”
—Hart Crane (1899–1932)