Which of the following is the sho-term memory that keeps information available for very sho periods of time?
**Core Concept**
Short-term memory (STM) is a cognitive system that temporarily holds and manipulates information for a short period of time, often measured in seconds. STM is responsible for holding a limited amount of information in a highly accessible state, allowing it to be used in tasks such as mental arithmetic, remembering phone numbers, or following instructions.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer refers to the concept of **Working Memory**, which is a type of short-term memory that temporarily holds and manipulates information for a short period of time. Working memory is responsible for holding a limited amount of information in a highly accessible state, allowing it to be used in tasks such as mental arithmetic, remembering phone numbers, or following instructions. This concept is closely related to the **Central Executive** of the working memory model, which is responsible for temporarily holding and manipulating information in a highly accessible state.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option may refer to **Long-term Memory**, which is a type of memory that stores information for an extended period of time, often measured in years or even decades. Long-term memory is responsible for storing and retrieving information from past experiences, but it is not responsible for holding information for very short periods of time.
* **Option B:** This option may refer to **Sensory Memory**, which is a type of memory that temporarily holds sensory information from the environment. Sensory memory is responsible for holding information from the environment for a brief period of time, but it is not responsible for holding information in a highly accessible state.
* **Option C:** This option may refer to **Episodic Memory**, which is a type of long-term memory that stores information about specific events or experiences. Episodic memory is responsible for storing and retrieving information from past experiences, but it is not responsible for holding information for very short periods of time.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The concept of working memory is closely related to cognitive function and is often impaired in individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or other cognitive disorders. Understanding the concept of working memory is essential for clinicians to diagnose and treat cognitive disorders.
**Correct Answer:** C.