memory, short-term

memory, short-term The ability to temporarily store and manage information that is required to carry out complex cognitive tasks such as learning, reasoning, and comprehension. Short-term memory is involved in the selection, initiation, and termination of information-processing functions, such as encoding, storing, and retrieving data. One test of short-term memory is memory span: the number of items, usually words or numbers, that a person can retain and recall. Also known as recent or working memory. See also memory; memory span.