Chunks of Data

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The human brain has limitations on it processing of stimulus taken in by our sensory system. The human brain records data then it does one of three things: One, it puts that data into temporary, short term, memory. Memory of a limited storage capacity that is in chunks. Chunk size is determined by the individual brain and for all brain functions of temp-memory it holds no more than seven chunks of information. Two, the brain does its thing to process the chunks of information. Since information, data, is constantly coming in to temp-memory the brain must do two things with it, either store it in long term memory OR simply let it get pushed out of temp-memory when the next chuck is input. Three, the brain must take the chunk of memory for long term storage and process it so it can be readily retrieved by putting a label on it unique to that memory.

Depending on how the memory is input certain traits will effect that chuck of memory. A good example is how that information is presented. If it is just one subject then during the active listening process reaffirmation of input helps to validate and label it so it doesn't get pushed out the end of the temp-memory capacity limits. 

If the input is randomized and changed in a chain if input then once a subject is changed and chained to another subject that last piece of information is lost. Likened to the use of the term "BUT" when a sentence is expressed. The first part is taken in to temp-memory and stored. When the next bit of information, the BUT, enters it literally triggers the brains function to dump what came before it to make room for the next that follows the BUT. The first part becomes moot and is dumped regardless of its position in the chain of chunks and the stuff that follows the BUT enters and is processed. 

It is a necessity to make sure that how the data is input and that time is provided to allow processing to ensure it sticks. If the flood of data input exceeds the chunk limits and it fails to allow time for processing, often how active listening and its communications processes occur, then as each chained piece of data is presented without processing, i.e., the time between chunks, etc., it simply pushes the information out the back end of temp-memory to be lost forever. 

People can imagine how this plays out when too much data floods the brain, a lot of what is conveyed is lost leaving the impression that the recipient is not paying attention. Too much, too fast and when compounded by a lack of consistency and random changes in subject matters without clarification and time to shift mind-gears will cause much of the data to simply disappear. 

As we age this processing of data by our minds, brains, and its memory systems becomes worsened since aging causes our capacity to memory process sets limits lower on capacity and size of the seven chunks of data. Add in the lengthening of processing spacing, like the voids or space between musical notes that make music, music, if things are presented too fast, stuff is lost forever. 

In active listening the exchange from presenter to recipient along with body language and facial expressions lend a great deal of information on how well the exchange is going. One of the worst things one can do is fail to actively listen often perceived by experts as, "failing to listen because you are forming a response before the presenter is finished." 

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