What is the difference between short and long term memory?

Memory is defined as the mental capacity to encode, store, and retrieve information. Short term memory:- Stored for approx. 30 secs. Information is lost through lack of rehearsal e.g. distraction or passage of time- Limited number of items (only about 7 things can be remembered at one given time) Miller (1956) Long term memory:- Duration and capacity is unlimited, rehearsal is essentai for memories to be stored into long term memory

LL
Answered by Laura L. Psychology tutor

10994 Views

See similar Psychology GCSE tutors

Related Psychology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Outline one advantage and one limitation of using labs to conduct research rather than a natural setting


The multi-store model is one theory of memory. Describe two criticisms of the way in which the multi-store model explains how we remember things


Define 'psychotic symptom' and 'unusual perceptual experience', and outline the main differences between them.


Explain, using one or more examples, the effects of neurotransmission on human behaviour


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning