How big is human memory, or on being just useful enough.

摘要: We are, in many respects, what we remember. But how much do do? So far, science has provided only a very partial answer to this riddle. The magical number seven, plus or minus two, seems constrain the capacity of our immediate memory (Miller 1956). surely its constraints dissipate when memories settle long-term stores. Yet big are these stores? If combine all factual knowledge and personal reminiscence, childhood scenes past day, intimate experiences professional expert isemhow items there, that, combined together, mold us into unique individuals? is not simple, neither question. For example, an i t em memory? And can measure it, being sure that unveil merely occasional ability tap it? Such theoretical practical difficulties, no doubt, have contributed fact human still enigma. Yet, despite inherent undeniable complexities, issue deserves be retrieved, once while, from oblivions collective scientific community. (For selection earlier discussions size memory, see Galton 1879; Landauer 1986; Crovitz et al. 1991.)