When information in short-term memory is not rehearsed or encoded, what happens to it?
A) The information fades, or decays, after a very brief period of time, usually within a matter of seconds.
B) The information moves back into sensory memory.
C) The information is automatically transferred to working memory until it is ready to be processed further.
D) The information is circulated in the phonological loop until it is ready to be processed further.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Information in short-term memory that is not rehearsed or encoded will decay or fade away within a few seconds. This failure to encode information into long-term memory is one of the primary reasons for forgetting.

When Information in Short-Term Memory Is Not Rehearsed or Encoded