Approximately how long does your brain hold information in short term memory?
Select the best answer.
A. 20 to 30 seconds
B. Forever
C. Less than a year
D. Less than a second
Answer (1)
Short-term memory holds information temporarily.
Evaluate the given time durations.
20 to 30 seconds is the correct range for short-term memory.
The brain holds information in short term memory for approximately 20 to 30 seconds .
Explanation
Analyze the problem and data We are asked to determine how long the brain holds information in short-term memory. We are given four options: 20 to 30 seconds, Forever, Less than a year, and Less than a second.
Consider each option Let's consider each option:
20 to 30 seconds: This is a common estimate for the duration of short-term memory.
Forever: This is incorrect, as short-term memory is not permanent.
Less than a year: This is too long for short-term memory, which is much shorter than a year.
Less than a second: While some sensory information is held for very brief periods (sensory memory), short-term memory typically lasts longer than a second.
Determine the best answer Based on this analysis, the best answer is 20 to 30 seconds.
State the final answer The approximate duration that the brain holds information in short-term memory is 20 to 30 seconds.
Examples
Understanding short-term memory is crucial in everyday life. For example, when you try to remember a phone number someone just told you, you're using your short-term memory. Knowing that it lasts only about 20-30 seconds helps you understand why you need to write it down quickly or repeat it to yourself to transfer it to long-term memory.
