University of Central Florida (UCF) EXP3604 Cognitive Psychology Final Practice Exam

Sensory memory is the correct choice because it refers specifically to the very brief initial storage of sensory information that allows individuals to retain impressions of sensory stimuli after the original stimulus has ended. This type of memory is crucial for processing sensory input, as it captures information such as sights, sounds, and smells for a very short duration, typically less than a second for visual stimuli and slightly longer for auditory information.

The other types of memory cited in the options have different characteristics and functions. Short-term memory holds information temporarily for processing and manipulation, but it typically lasts longer than sensory memory and has a limited capacity. Long-term memory is designed for the storage of information over extended periods and can hold much larger quantities of data compared to sensory memory. Working memory is a more complex system that actively maintains and manipulates information necessary for cognitive tasks, but again, it is a step beyond the mere storage function of sensory memory. Thus, sensory memory is uniquely characterized by its brief nature and specific role in the initial stages of information processing.