Working Memory Capacity of ChatGPT: An Empirical Study

• URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2305.03731v4
• Date: Thu, 1 Feb 2024 21:39:50 GMT
• Title: Working Memory Capacity of ChatGPT: An Empirical Study
• Abstract summary: We systematically assess the working memory capacity of ChatGPT, a large language model developed by OpenAI. Our experiments reveal that ChatGPT has a working memory capacity limit strikingly similar to that of humans.
• Score: 10.34965407119012
• License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Abstract: Working memory is a critical aspect of both human intelligence and artificial intelligence, serving as a workspace for the temporary storage and manipulation of information. In this paper, we systematically assess the working memory capacity of ChatGPT, a large language model developed by OpenAI, by examining its performance in verbal and spatial n-back tasks under various conditions. Our experiments reveal that ChatGPT has a working memory capacity limit strikingly similar to that of humans. Furthermore, we investigate the impact of different instruction strategies on ChatGPT's performance and observe that the fundamental patterns of a capacity limit persist. From our empirical findings, we propose that n-back tasks may serve as tools for benchmarking the working memory capacity of large language models and hold potential for informing future efforts aimed at enhancing AI working memory.

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