The Mind''s Limits　

by Matthew Brown

How many things can you think of at once? Scientists can tell you the answer: four.

　　 It''s common for people to say something like "I''ve got too many things on my mind." Usually we assume that this is just an expression that means "I''m really busy" or "I''ve got a lot to think about." But scientists say there really is a limit to the number of things you can have on your mind. _(1)_　　 The research focuses on working memory, which is what we use for information that we''re paying attention to and using directly. Working memory is for dealing with something at the present moment. _(2)_　　 Previously, it was thought that the mind could handle about seven items at once. _(3)_ Of course, just about anyone can remember a seven-digit phone number. But what scientists now believe is that when people have to remember a large number of items, they use tricks to help them group the items. _(4)_　　 This explains how some people are able to remember huge series of numbers perfectly. At the World Memory Championships, for example, competitors manage to memorize hundreds of digits in only a few minutes. _(5)_　　 To prove their theory, the researchers had to devise a study that tested subjects'' memory but didn''t allow them to use these grouping methods. Most scientists now agree with the conclusions of the study. Can you prove them wrong?

(A) This might explain why many countries use seven-digit phone numbers.

(B) In the case of phone numbers, we put them into groups of three and four, which helps us to remember the series.

(C) According to scientists, these participants are actually grouping numbers together and using other strategies, but only thinking of about four items at one time.

(D) They have discovered that a person can only think of three or four things at one time.

(E) For example, we use working memory when we''re trying to remember a phone number that a friend gives us.

















answer: DEABC