Short-term Memory

Short-term memory (or "primary" or "active memory") is the capacity for holding a small amount of information in mind in an active, readily available state for a short period of time. The duration of short-term memory (when rehearsal or active maintenance is prevented) is believed to be in the order of seconds. A commonly cited capacity is 7 ± 2 elements. In contrast, long-term memory indefinitely stores a seemingly unlimited amount of information.

Short-term memory should be distinguished from working memory, which refers to structures and processes used for temporarily storing and manipulating information (see details below)

Read more about Short-term Memory:  Existence of A Separate Store, Relationship With Working Memory, Duration of Short-term Memory, Capacity of Short-term Memory

Famous quotes containing the words short-term and/or memory:

    I still believe that if your aim is to change the world, journalism is a more immediate short-term weapon.
    Tom Stoppard (b. 1937)

    We turned to other things.
    I haven’t any memory have you?
    Of ever coming to the place again
    To see if the birds lived the first night through.
    And so at last to learn to use their wings.
    Robert Frost (1874–1963)