SHORTTERM MEMORY Meaning and
Definition
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Short-term memory, also known as immediate memory or working memory, refers to the cognitive process through which information is temporarily retained and manipulated in the mind for a brief duration. It is the ability to remember and hold a small amount of information in an active state for a short period of time, typically ranging from a few seconds to a few minutes.
Short-term memory is characterized by its limited capacity and rapid decay. This type of memory is primarily involved in the immediate processing and manipulation of information, enabling individuals to complete tasks such as mental calculations, problem-solving, comprehension, and decision-making.
Psychological research indicates that short-term memory is primarily facilitated by the prefrontal cortex, a region of the brain responsible for various executive functions. This memory system allows individuals to temporarily retain information while they actively process and analyze it. However, if the information is not rehearsed or encoded into long-term memory, it is prone to being forgotten or displaced by new incoming information.
Furthermore, short-term memory can be influenced by various factors, such as attention, distraction, and interference. For instance, paying close attention to information can enhance its transfer from short-term to long-term memory. Conversely, distractions or competing stimuli can disrupt the retention or recall of information.
In summary, short-term memory is a capacity-limited cognitive process that allows individuals to retain and manipulate information for a short duration, enabling them to engage in immediate mental tasks and problem-solving.
Common Misspellings for SHORTTERM MEMORY
- ahortterm memory
- zhortterm memory
- xhortterm memory
- dhortterm memory
- ehortterm memory
- whortterm memory
- sgortterm memory
- sbortterm memory
- snortterm memory
- sjortterm memory
- suortterm memory
- syortterm memory
- shirtterm memory
- shkrtterm memory
- shlrtterm memory
- shprtterm memory
- sh0rtterm memory
- sh9rtterm memory
- shoetterm memory
- shodtterm memory
Etymology of SHORTTERM MEMORY
The word "short-term memory" is composed of two separate terms with their respective origins:
1. "Short" comes from the Old English word "scort" meaning "not long, not lasting". Its origins can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "skurtaz" meaning "short".
2. "Term" comes from the Latin word "terminus" meaning "boundary, limit, end". It has its origins in the Proto-Indo-European root "terə-" meaning "rub, turn, twist".
The combination of these two terms results in "short-term", indicating a limited duration or span.
As for "memory", it stems from the Latin word "memoria" meaning "memory, remembering". Its origins can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "men-", which means "to think, remember".
