What type of memory is illustrated by seeing an afterimage momentarily after closing your eyes?

The phenomenon of seeing an afterimage momentarily after closing your eyes is an example of sensory memory. Sensory memory is the initial stage of memory that briefly holds incoming information from the senses. When you view an object or light, the image is retained for a very short duration in sensory memory, allowing you to perceive it even after the stimulus is removed, such as when you close your eyes.

In this case, the afterimage is a visual representation that remains in your sensory memory, which is specific to visual stimuli. This type of memory is characterized by its fleeting nature, typically lasting only a fraction of a second to a couple of seconds, which aligns perfectly with the experience of observing an afterimage.

The other types of memory mentioned, like episodic and semantic memory, deal with more complex processes and longer durations. Episodic memory relates to personal experiences and events, while semantic memory involves the storage of general knowledge and facts. Working memory is a temporary storage system that holds and manipulates information for cognitive tasks but does not describe the immediate sensory experience of an afterimage.