Glossary
Memory science, in plain English
Short, accurate definitions of the memory-science terms that come up most often. Sources cited where claims go beyond textbook definitions.
Term
Working memory
the system that holds and manipulates information for a few seconds at a time.
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Term
Visual memory
the ability to remember what you have seen, from briefly glimpsed scenes to long-term mental images.
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Term
Short-term memory
the brief storage system that holds information for seconds before it is either forgotten or moved to long-term memory.
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More terms coming soon. If a definition is unclear or a citation is broken, we want to know about it. The goal here is real explanation, not vague hand-waving. See also the free visual memory test for a hands-on take, or the audience guides for students, ADHD adults, and older adults.