The Seven Plus or Minus Two Theory

The Seven Plus or Minus Two Theory, formulated by cognitive psychologist George Miller, suggests that typical human working memory can hold about 7 (plus or minus 2) information chunks at once. This means most people can accurately remember between 5 to 9 pieces of information temporarily, such as digits, words, or concepts, before cognitive load impairs memory and processing. The theory highlights limits in our short-term memory capacity, influencing how information should be structured for effective learning, communication, and problem-solving.