US High School Psychology Practice Exam

How does short-term memory differ from sensory memory?

1. Short-term memory retains information indefinitely

2. Sensory memory can store more information

3. Short-term memory retains information for a longer duration

4. Short-term memory is less affected by interference

The correct answer is: Short-term memory retains information for a longer duration

Short-term memory is characterized by its ability to retain information for a longer duration compared to sensory memory. Sensory memory acts as an initial stage of memory that holds sensory information for a very brief moment, typically just a fraction of a second up to a few seconds. This allows for a quick snapshot of the environment, but it does not last long enough for us to consciously process that information. In contrast, short-term memory can hold information for a short period, usually about 15 to 30 seconds, and allows for some degree of active processing. This difference in the duration that information is retained highlights the key distinction between the two types of memory. The other options do not accurately reflect these distinctions—short-term memory does not retain information indefinitely, sensory memory is more about the immediate capture of sensory detail rather than the quantity of information stored, and while short-term memory can indeed be affected by interference, it is not typically considered less affected by it. Understanding the duration and function of each type helps clarify how memory processes operate in our cognitive framework.