OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

In which way is short term memory distinct from long term memory?

1. Short term memory is unlimited in capacity

2. Short term memory can hold information for extended periods

3. Short term memory is retained for a brief duration

4. Short term memory does not aid learning

The correct answer is: Short term memory is retained for a brief duration

Short-term memory is distinct from long-term memory primarily due to the duration for which information is retained. Short-term memory is known to hold information for a brief period, typically around 15 to 30 seconds, allowing individuals to temporarily store and manipulate information they are currently processing. This is crucial for tasks such as remembering a phone number long enough to dial it or following directions while navigating. Conversely, long-term memory involves the storage of information over extended durations, often for days, years, or even a lifetime. This fundamental difference in duration highlights why short-term memory is labeled "short-term," as it aligns with our experiences of remembering information only for a fleeting moment rather than the prolonged retention associated with long-term memory. The other choices illustrate characteristics that do not accurately reflect the nature of short-term memory. For instance, it does not possess an unlimited capacity, nor does it typically hold information for extended periods, and it can indeed aid learning by allowing for the immediate use of information, even if that information is not retained long-term.