Final answer:
Short-term memory (STM) is the structural component of memory responsible for temporarily storing small amounts of information, typically for 15 to 30 seconds. It has a limited capacity and is part of the working memory system, which includes visual, spatial, and auditory information management.
Step-by-step explanation:
The structural component of memory responsible for storing small amounts of information for a short time is known as short-term memory (STM). This memory system plays a crucial role in processing and holding information temporarily, functioning as a workspace for cognitive tasks. STM generally holds information for a period of 15 to 30 seconds, after which the information is either transferred to long-term memory for permanent storage or is forgotten. One of the key characteristics of STM is its limited capacity, which is typically about seven bits or chunks of information.
According to the Atkinson-Shiffrin model, information first enters sensory memory, after which attention is given to a particular sensory input, the information travels to short-term memory. The process of transferring data from STM to long-term memory often requires repetition or rehearsal. However, without such rehearsal, the likelihood of information becoming a part of long-term memory is slim, as STM is susceptible to decay and interference.
Short-term memory includes several sub-components, such as the visuospatial sketchpad, the phonological loop, and the episodic buffer, which are all coordinated by the central executive in the working memory model proposed by Baddeley and Hitch. These components allow for the manipulation of visual, spatial, and auditory information, forming a fully functioning system that enables us to learn and interact with the world around us.