Question

Short-term memory is _______ memory and long-term memory is _______ memory.

1) passive; active
2) subtle; aggressive
3) passive; aggressive
4) active; passive

Answer 1

Short-term memory is an active memory system requiring immediate attention, while long-term memory is a passive system where information can be accessed without conscious effort.

Step-by-step explanation:

Short-term memory is active memory and long-term memory is passive memory.

Short-term memory (STM) is a temporary storage system that engages with incoming sensory memory for a brief period, typically lasting 15 to 30 seconds. It is active as it requires immediate attention and processing of information. Activities like rehearsal can actively move information from STM to long-term memory.

Long-term memory (LTM), on the other hand, is a continuous storage of information where capacity is believed to be unlimited. It is considered passive because once information is consolidated in LTM, it can be retrieved without conscious effort. Explicit and implicit memories are two main types of LTM, where explicit memory involves conscious recall of facts and events, and implicit memory includes skills and conditioned responses.