The following text is about cognitive science.
Working memory, the mental workspace where we hold and manipulate information, has limited capacity. Most people can hold about 4-7 items at once; try to hold more, and earlier items are lost. This limitation shapes how we learn and solve problems. Educational designers now create materials that account for cognitive load, presenting information in manageable chunks and avoiding unnecessary complexity that might overwhelm working memory. Understanding these limits helps explain why some teaching methods succeed while others fail.
According to the text, how do working memory limitations affect learning?
They have no effect on educational outcomes
They require educational materials to present information in manageable amounts
They mean people can never learn new information
They only affect people with memory disorders
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. The text states educational designers "create materials that account for cognitive load, presenting information in manageable chunks."
- Evidence: Manageable chunks; avoiding overwhelming working memory.
- Reasoning: Limited capacity requires considerate presentation.
- Conclusion: Materials must be designed for working memory limits.
Choice A is incorrect because the text shows clear effects on teaching success. Choice C is incorrect because chunking allows learning despite limits. Choice D is incorrect because "most people" share these limits.