Memory span is defined as:

Memory span is specifically defined as the capacity to remember information in the order in which it was presented. This is a crucial aspect of memory studies as it often involves recalling sequences of items, such as numbers or words, in their exact order. This ability can vary significantly among individuals and is commonly measured through tasks that require immediate recall, such as repeating back a series of digits or a list of words in the sequence they were presented.

The focus on sequence highlights the nature of working memory and short-term memory, which are essential for tasks that involve following instructions or recalling information accurately as it was originally encountered. Understanding this definition is important in cognitive psychology and memory research because it differentiates between various memory types and processes.