What method can be used to assess short-term memory?

Memory span testing is a well-established method for assessing short-term memory. This technique specifically evaluates the capacity of short-term memory by requiring individuals to recall a series of items, such as numbers or letters, immediately after they are presented. The standard procedure typically involves increasing the length of the sequence until the participant can no longer accurately remember the items, allowing researchers to identify the maximum span of items that a person can hold in their short-term memory at any one time.

This method is particularly effective because it is straightforward to implement and provides quantifiable results, allowing for comparisons across different individuals and groups. The focus is on the immediate retention of information, which is a key characteristic of short-term memory, distinguishing it from long-term memory assessments, which involve different processes and time frames.

In contrast, while the other options involve various aspects of cognitive processing—such as visual memory in image recall, semantic connections in word association, and organizational skills in pattern recognition—none are as specifically designed to measure the limitations and capacities of short-term memory directly as memory span testing does.