What defines short-term memory?

Short-term memory is characterized by its capacity to hold information temporarily for a brief period, typically ranging from a few seconds to a minute. It allows individuals to retain and manipulate a limited amount of information—often cited as around 7 items, plus or minus 2, according to George A. Miller's theory of cognitive psychology. This type of memory is vital for tasks that require immediate recall, such as remembering a phone number long enough to dial it.

The nature of short-term memory is inherently different from other types of memory, such as long-term memory, which is designed for more permanent storage and can last for years. Thus, options related to long-lasting memory or the overarching capability to recall extensive past experiences do not align with the basic definition of short-term memory, which is fundamentally about temporary information retention and use. Hence, the definition of short-term memory emphasizes its function of temporarily activating memory for a manageable number of items.