Which type of memory holds information in the conscious mind briefly unless actively rehearsed for longer-term storage?

Which type of memory holds information in the conscious mind briefly unless actively rehearsed for longer-term storage?

• A. Long-term memory
• B. Short-term memory
• C. Working memory
• D. Procedural memory

Answer: (B)

Short-term memory is the temporary holding space for conscious information. It keeps items in mind for a brief period—seconds to a minute—unless you actively rehearse them. Rehearsal helps transfer that information into long-term memory for later retrieval. So, when you repeat a phone number to yourself to keep it long enough to dial, you’re using short-term memory. In contrast, long-term memory stores information for much longer periods, working memory is about actively processing and manipulating information during a task, and procedural memory covers learned skills and habits.

Short-term memory is the temporary holding space for conscious information. It keeps items in mind for a brief period—seconds to a minute—unless you actively rehearse them. Rehearsal helps transfer that information into long-term memory for later retrieval. So, when you repeat a phone number to yourself to keep it long enough to dial, you’re using short-term memory. In contrast, long-term memory stores information for much longer periods, working memory is about actively processing and manipulating information during a task, and procedural memory covers learned skills and habits.