Final answer:
Short-term memory serves as a temporary storage system for information from sensory memory and is a component of working memory. It is limited in duration and capacity, though it is essential for connecting new information with long-term memory for everyday cognitive tasks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Short-term memory (STM) is a critical component of our cognitive functioning, often described as a temporary storage system that manages information from our sensory memory. Unlike long-term memory, which can store information indefinitely, STM typically holds data for a short period, often estimated at 15 to 30 seconds, unless it is consciously rehearsed. A distinctive feature of short-term memory is its ability to connect new sensory information with existing knowledge, referred to as long-term memory.
Moreover, STM is sometimes confused with working memory, although the concepts are different but related. While short-term memory refers to the storage capacity for recent thoughts and experiences, working memory involves the manipulation and handling of information to perform complex tasks such as reasoning, comprehension, and learning. Overall, STM plays a crucial role in day-to-day activities that require temporary recall and processing of information.