What does short-term memory capture during the day?

Short-term memory is responsible for temporarily holding information that we actively use or encounter throughout the day. This type of memory captures events and details that we may need to remember for a short period, such as a phone number we just heard or instructions given during a meeting. It allows us to recall events quickly and enables us to carry on conversations and complete tasks without losing track of critical information.

In contrast to some of the other options, short-term memory is not focused solely on significant memories for deep analysis; that role belongs more to long-term memory. It also isn't limited just to new experiences or physical sensations for immediate action; these types of memories either involve longer retention or are processed differently, often linked to reflexive actions rather than active recall. Thus, the function of short-term memory is best aligned with capturing events for later recall, facilitating our daily activities and cognitive functions.