Sensory Memory
Sensory memory is the briefest form of memory that captures initial impressions from our senses. When you see something or hear a sound, your sensory memory holds that information for a fraction of a second, allowing you to process it before it fades away. For example, you might remember the sparkle of a fireworks display just long enough to recognize its beauty, even if it's gone moments later. This rapid, automatic retention helps your brain decide what to focus on and what to discard as unimportant.
Additional Insights
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Sensory memory is the initial stage of memory that briefly holds information from our senses—sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. It captures a vast amount of sensory input but retains it for only a short time, usually less than a second for visual information and a few seconds for sounds. This allows our brain to process and decide what to focus on and remember. For example, when you see a flash of light or hear a sound, sensory memory lets you hold onto that experience just long enough to determine its importance before it fades away.