Question

Which of the following correctly describes sensory memory?

a) the physical or sensory characteristics of attended stimuli are stored in sensory memory, which has a large capacity to detect a large number of details of the sensory characteristics.
b) the physical or sensory characteristics of stimuli are briefly stored in sensory memory, which has a large capacity because it does not require attention.
c) sensory memory encompasses iconic and echoic memory. information held in sensory memory is then filtered into short-term memory based on the amount of decay.
d) any physical or sensory characteristics of stimuli in the environment are encoded in sensory memory, which has a large capacity to store information for a several minutes.

Answer 1

The correct description of sensory memory is that it briefly stores sensory information for a very short period, typically up to a couple of seconds, and does not require conscious attention.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks which statement correctly describes sensory memory. The correct description of sensory memory is that it relates to the initial, momentary storage of sensory information. Sensory memory has a large capacity but retains information for a very short period, typically up to a couple of seconds.

Therefore, the most accurate statement is (b) the physical or sensory characteristics of stimuli are briefly stored in sensory memory, which has a large capacity because it does not require attention. Sensory memory includes iconic and echoic memory and acts as the first stage of memory, before potentially moving information into short-term memory based on attention and further processing.