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Sensory Memory

Definition

Sensory memory is the shortest-term element of memory. It is the ability to retain impressions of sensory information after the original stimuli have ended.

Related terms

Iconic Memory: This is a type of sensory memory that briefly stores an image which has been visually perceived.

Echoic Memory: This is another type of sensory memory that briefly stores sounds or 'echoes' heard.

Haptic Memory: This refers to the sensory memory related to touch stimuli.

"Sensory Memory" appears in:

Study guides (2)

AP Psychology - 5.3 Storing
AP Psychology - 5.6 Biological Bases of Memory

Practice Questions (6)

What is the role of Sensory Memory in the Atkinson-Shiffrin three-stage model?
What is the primary role of sensory memory in the memory process?
Why is sensory memory crucial in the Atkinson-Shiffrin model?
What kind of memory mechanism assists in retaining auditory stimuli longer than simple echo-like sensory memory?
What type of sensory memory lasts up to a couple of seconds after the perception of an item?
How may one question the general acceptance that sensory input first enters sensory memory before being transferred to short term and then long term storage?

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