Psychology MCAT Practice Exam

Which aspect of memory is directly contrasted with working memory?

1. Short-term memory

2. Long-term memory

3. Procedural memory

4. Semantic memory

The correct answer is: Long-term memory

The correct answer highlights the distinction between working memory and long-term memory. Working memory is often described as a system that temporarily holds and manipulates information needed for cognitive tasks, such as reasoning and comprehension. It is limited in capacity and duration, functioning over short periods—typically seconds to minutes. In contrast, long-term memory is designed for the storage of information over extended periods, potentially even a lifetime. It allows for the retention of knowledge, experiences, and skills, which can be retrieved later. This difference is central to understanding how information is processed and retained in the brain. Other types of memory mentioned in the choices, such as procedural memory and semantic memory, are considered subcategories of long-term memory. Procedural memory pertains to skills and tasks—what you can do, while semantic memory relates to facts and general knowledge. Short-term memory, while closely related to working memory, often refers to the temporary storage of information without the active manipulation aspect that working memory involves. Thus, the most direct contrast to working memory among the provided options is with long-term memory.