Which of the following statements about working memory is TRUE?
a. it was originally called short-term memory
b. it is quite large in capacity
c. it receives all of the information in sensory memory
d. it is completely independent from long-term memory
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: a. it was originally called short-term memory
Explanation:
Working memory refers to the cognitive system responsible for temporarily holding and manipulating information needed for complex tasks such as learning, reasoning, and comprehension. The correct statement is “a. it was originally called short-term memory”, and here’s why:
Historically, the term short-term memory (STM) was used to describe the system that temporarily holds a limited amount of information. Over time, cognitive psychologists such as Alan Baddeley and Graham Hitch proposed a more sophisticated model called working memory, which emphasized the system’s active role in processing information, not just storing it passively. This model includes multiple components: the phonological loop, visuospatial sketchpad, central executive, and later, the episodic buffer. So, although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, working memory is a more refined and active version of what was originally known as short-term memory.
Let’s review why the other options are incorrect:
- b. It is quite large in capacity – This is false. Working memory has a very limited capacity, often estimated to hold about 7±2 items, as described by psychologist George Miller. Later research suggests it may even be fewer (around 4 items) when chunks are not involved.
- c. It receives all of the information in sensory memory – This is also false. Sensory memory briefly holds all sensory input, but only the information that is attended to is passed on to working memory. Much of what is in sensory memory is lost quickly if not noticed.
- d. It is completely independent from long-term memory – This is incorrect. Working memory and long-term memory are highly interconnected. Working memory often retrieves information from long-term memory to use in real-time processing, such as recalling multiplication facts during a math problem.
In summary, the correct and true statement is (a) because working memory evolved from the concept of short-term memory, emphasizing both storage and active processing of information.