Which memory type is described as a scratch pad that is overwritten every few seconds by new perceptions?

• A. Sensory memory
• B. Short-term memory
• C. Long-term memory
• D. Working memory

Answer: (A)

Sensory memory is a brief, automatic buffer that holds incoming sensory information just long enough to be perceived. It acts like a scratch pad that gets overwritten almost immediately by new perceptions, on the order of milliseconds to a few seconds. This quick turnover prevents overload and lets the brain decide what to attend to and encode into longer-lasting memory. For example, visual input (iconic memory) typically lasts about a quarter of a second, while auditory input (echoic memory) can linger for a few seconds. Because its duration is so short, most information is discarded unless you actively transfer it into short-term or working memory. Long-term memory, in contrast, retains information for much longer.