Approximately how many items can be stored in visual memory?

The concept of visual memory often aligns with the established principles of short-term memory, which suggest that the number of items a person can actively hold in their mind is limited. Research, particularly by George A. Miller in the 1950s, indicated that the capacity of short-term memory is around 7 plus or minus 2 items. This observation suggests that most people can comfortably remember between 5 to 9 discrete items at a time.

However, when looking specifically at visual memory, the capacity can be slightly different. Studies have shown that people can hold around 3 to 4 objects in their visual short-term memory with high fidelity, but when considering the broader category of visually presented information, particularly in tasks that involve grouping or chunking information, the capacity can be stretched to accommodate 10 to 12 items under optimal conditions and with meaningful organization.

The choice reflecting the range of 10 to 12 items acknowledges a more generous view of visual memory, where people effectively utilize strategies such as chunking to enhance recall. This means that while the strict upper capacity may vary, studies indicate that this range reflects a typical upper limit in practical scenarios where visual information is organized or categorized.

Therefore, the answer suggesting a capacity of 10 to