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RAM is to the computer what _______ memory is to the human brain. Short term or long term?

User Marylou
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Final answer:

RAM in a computer can be likened to short-term memory in the human brain, holding information temporarily for immediate use, with long-term memory akin to a computer's hard drive storing information for later retrieval.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of a computer, RAM is comparable to short-term memory in the human brain. RAM, or Random Access Memory, is where a computer temporarily stores data that is actively being used or processed, which mirrors the function of short-term memory in our cognitive processes. Short-term memory handles information for a brief period, approximately 15 to 30 seconds, similar to how RAM holds data temporarily until the computer either saves it for long-term storage or discards it when no longer needed. Memorization processes consist of encoding, storing, and retrieval, much like information handling in computer systems.

Our brain's short-term memory is a part of the wider working memory system. It serves as a transient holding area for new information, which can then either transition into long-term memory upon rehearsal and encoding, or be forgotten if not further processed. This is akin to how a document on a computer screen (RAM) can be saved to the hard drive (long-term memory) or be closed and lost if not saved. If we further draw parallels, long-term memory in humans functions like a computer's hard drive, where information can be stored indefinitely and retrieved as necessary.

User TkTech
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