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short-term memory

Definition

Short-term memory is a capacity of the brain to hold a small amount of information in an active, readily available state for a short period of time, typically seconds to a minute. It acts as a buffer for new information during the encoding process into long-term memory.

Related terms

Long: term Memory - The phase of memory in which information is stored indefinitely and can be recalled much later after it has left the short-term memory.

Working Memory: A cognitive system responsible for temporarily holding and processing information needed for complex cognitive tasks such as learning, reasoning, and comprehension.

Cognitive Load: The total amount of mental effort being used in the working memory

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Subjects (1)

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.