KEY RESEARCH STUDY: Miller (1956)

• What was Miller's study?

  The capacity of the STM. Finding the magic number 7+/-2.
• What was Miller's procedure?

  Observed everyday practice and noted things come in sevens (e.g., days of the week, deadly sins, notes of musical scales)
• What was Miller's findings?

  Span of STM is about 7 items (+/-2), but is increased by chunking (grouping digits/letters into meaningful units)
• What is a strength of Miller's study?

  Supports Jacobs' belief of the average being 7 and 9
• What is a limitation of Miller's study?

  Cowan reviewed research and concluded STM capacity was 4+/-1