The Magic of 7: How a 1956 Discovery Continues to Shape Our Understanding of Human Memory

In a previous article (see https://williamlockitt.co.uk/learn/how-microlearning-can-supercharge-your-teams-productivity/ ) I mentioned George Millers Law “the magic of number 7”. This article provides a more in-depth review of the Law and the effect it has on memory acquisition and retention. Few discoveries have had a more profound impact than the one made by psychologist George Miller in 1956. In a groundbreaking paper, Miller revealed that the human brain is capable of holding only a limited amount of information in its working memory - a staggering seven, plus or minus two, chunks of information. This magical number, as it has come to be known, has far-reaching implications for the understanding of human memory, learning, and even the way we process information. From the way we remember phone numbers to the way we absorb information, the concept of the “magic of 7” has influenced fields as diverse as psychology, education, and marketing. In this article I will delve into the fascinating history of this discovery, explore its lasting impact on our understanding of human memory, and examine the surprising ways in which it continues to shape our daily lives.