Which type of memory is most directly related to immediate sensory impressions?

• A. Sensory Memory
• B. Short-Term Memory
• C. Long-Term Memory
• D. Working Memory

Answer: (A)

Sensory memory is the type of memory most directly related to immediate sensory impressions. It acts as a brief store for incoming sensory information, capturing details from the environment just long enough for the brain to process them. This type of memory allows individuals to retain a fleeting image of sights, sounds, or other sensory input, which is crucial for understanding and interacting with the world around them.

Sensory memory is characterized by its extremely short duration, lasting fractions of a second to just a couple of seconds. This enables a seamless transition from sensory input to higher-level processing in the brain. For example, when you see a flash of lightning, it is your sensory memory that holds that visual moment before it fades and you consciously perceive it.

Short-term memory, in contrast, holds information for a slightly longer period and allows for manipulation and processing of that information. Long-term memory is focused on storing information over extended periods, and working memory refers to the active manipulation of information in the short term. While these other memory types play critical roles in cognition and information processing, they do not specifically capture the immediate sensory impressions as effectively as sensory memory does.