The magical number seven, plus or minus two, refers to the storage capacity of ________ memory.

The phrase "the magical number seven, plus or minus two," coined by psychologist George A. Miller in 1956, refers specifically to the typical capacity of short-term memory. This concept suggests that the average number of objects an individual can hold in their working memory is around seven, though it can range from five to nine. This limitation highlights the challenges of processing and retaining information in short-term memory, which is crucial for everyday tasks such as remembering a phone number or a shopping list.

Short-term memory serves as a temporary storage system that allows us to hold onto information for brief periods, typically around 15 to 30 seconds. Understanding this capacity can help in designing effective learning strategies and enhancing memory retention, particularly in educational contexts.

The other memory types mentioned are not characterized by this specific capacity limitation. Explicit memory refers to memories that can be consciously recalled, such as facts and events, while implicit memory involves skills and conditioned responses that do not require conscious thought. Flashbulb memory involves vivid recollections of significant events, and implicit memory is related to learned skills. These types of memory do not have the same quantifiable storage capacity as short-term memory.