Operatiivmällu

Operatiivmällu, also known as operational memory or working memory, is a cognitive system that actively holds and manipulates information for short periods. It is a critical component of human cognition, enabling tasks such as reasoning, comprehension, and learning. Operatiivmällu has a limited capacity, typically holding about 7 ± 2 items of information at a time, as suggested by George Miller's famous "Magical Number Seven, Plus or Minus Two" study. This limitation is often attributed to the system's reliance on phonological loops and visuospatial sketchpads, which temporarily store verbal and visual information, respectively.

Operatiivmällu is distinct from long-term memory, which stores information over extended periods. It is also different from sensory memory, which briefly retains sensory information before it is processed and transferred to operatiivmällu. The concept of operatiivmällu was first proposed by Alan Baddeley and Graham Hitch in the 1970s, and their model, known as the Baddeley-Hitch model, has since been widely accepted and influential in cognitive psychology.

Research on operatiivmällu has implications for various fields, including education, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence. Understanding the limitations and mechanisms of operatiivmällu can inform the design of effective learning strategies, the development of cognitive training programs, and the creation of more intelligent machines. Despite its importance, operatiivmällu remains an active area of research, with ongoing efforts to elucidate its underlying neural mechanisms and functional roles in cognition.