Short Term Memory
Short-term memory, also called recent or working memory, refers to the temporary storage and management of information needed to carry out complex cognitive tasks used in learning, reasoning and comprehension.[1]
More specifically, short-term memory is the process of storing temporary information and then recalling it within the next few seconds or minutes, such as the name of the person you just met at the store.[2] It is important to note that these types of memories are supposed to be fleeting as research has shown that the average adult can only hold approximately seven bits of information at any given time, such as a phone number or personal identification number (PIN).[2]
For More Information
For more in-depth information on memory, read Human Memory and Memory Loss in our Elder Health Guides section.
References
1. MedicineNet. (October 22, 1998). Definition of Short-term Memory. Retrieved July 11, 2009, from http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=7142.
2. AARP. (May 1, 2008). What Is Memory? Retrieved July 11, 2009, from http://www.aarp.org/health/conditions/articles/harvard__improving-memory-understanding-age-related-memory-loss_1.html#h2.sect1.0.
