Short-Term Memory

Short-term memory is a type of memory that is used to temporarily store and retrieve information. It is also sometimes referred to as working memory or active memory. It has a limited capacity and a short duration of about 30 seconds. It is responsible for retaining small amounts of information such as recalling an acquired phone number or a piece of trivia. Short-term memory is a component of the three-stage memory system that was put forth by Richard Atkinson and Richard Shiffrin. In this system, information is passed from sensory memory into short-term memory and then finally to long-term memory. It works by encoding information that the brain collects from what we see, hear and smell and giving it a brief window of existence in which it can be processed and recalled. When an item of information is stored in short-term memory, it is there for a certain amount of time. This duration is limited to seconds and the amount of information it can hold at any one time is limited to around seven items. It can be seen as a kind of ‘mental scratchpad’ that stores information until it can be processed further, stored or discarded. In order to keep information in short-term memory for longer, it is important to use effective rehearsal strategies such as repeating it to yourself, writing it down or linking it to something else that has already been learned. It can also be beneficial to chunk information into groups or patterns which can make it easier to recall. One of the key functions of short-term memory is to bridge the gap between sensory input and long-term memory. It allows us to process information in a meaningful way and retain it for longer. Short-term memory is an essential part of everyone’s thought process and without it, it would be impossible to remember complex tasks.