What defines short-term memory?

Short-term memory is characterized by the brief holding of a limited amount of information for immediate use. This type of memory is typically involved in reasoning and the comprehension of information. It allows individuals to retain information, such as a phone number or a list of items, for a short period, often just seconds to a couple of minutes. This capacity is crucial for tasks that require manipulation of information in real-time, such as problem-solving or conversation.

The other descriptions do not align with the concept of short-term memory. Long-term memory refers to more permanent storage (which would be classified as ‘A’), while ‘C’ states an absence of stored information, which would not constitute memory at all. Lastly, recalling information from the past is more indicative of long-term memory rather than short-term, reflecting a different aspect of how we process and store information. Hence, the definition focusing on the temporary holding of data aligns best with the nature of short-term memory.