What is the primary function of working memory?

The primary function of working memory is to temporarily hold and manipulate information. Working memory plays a critical role in cognitive tasks that require the active processing of information, such as problem-solving, reasoning, and comprehension. It allows individuals to maintain information for brief periods while engaging in complex cognitive activities.

In contrast to long-term memory, which is involved in the storage of information over extended periods, working memory is more focused on the immediate use of information. It enables people to integrate new information with existing knowledge, make decisions, and plan actions based on what they currently know.

This differs from the other options as long-term information storage pertains to the nature of long-term memory rather than working memory. Filtering sensory information is more associated with sensory memory or attentional processes, while retrieving long-term memories involves accessing previously stored information, which is not the primary function of working memory. Thus, the emphasis on temporary holding and manipulation accurately captures the essence of what working memory does in cognitive processes.