Final answer:
The assessment of memory based on the amount of time saved when relearning material is a measure of long-term memory, which has a vast storage capacity and is paramount for recall over extended periods.
Step-by-step explanation:
An assessment of memory in terms of the amount of time saved when learning material a second time is a test of long-term memory. This type of memory assessment is tied to the concept of relearning, which is faster the second time around because the information has been encoded and stored in long-term memory. When we attempt to learn something that we have previously encountered, the speed at which we can reacquire that knowledge is a testament to the retrieval strength of our long-term memory.
Long-term memory is a continuous storage system, unlike short-term memory, which possesses a limited capacity. Long-term memory includes all the things we can recall that happened more than just a few minutes ago and is believed to be practically limitless in terms of storage capacity. This aspect of memory is crucial for the process of learning and remembering over long periods, demonstrating why an assessment that focuses on how quickly material is relearned engages primarily with long-term memory.