Temporary immediate recall of information for processing, typically lasting less than a minute, is known as?

The correct answer is short-term memory. This type of memory is characterized by its ability to hold a limited amount of information for a brief period, typically around 20 to 30 seconds, which aligns well with the description provided in the question. It allows for the temporary storage of information that is necessary for immediate tasks, such as remembering a phone number long enough to dial it.

Short-term memory is distinct from sensory memory, which involves the brief retention of sensory information after the initial stimulus has ended. Sensory memory lasts for only a fraction of a second to a couple of seconds, serving as the initial stage of memory processing.

Long-term memory, on the other hand, is where information is stored for extended periods, sometimes a lifetime, and involves more complex encoding processes that allow for the consolidation of experiences and knowledge.

Immediate memory might seem similar, as it does refer to the retention of information for a short period but is generally used interchangeably with short-term memory. However, short-term memory is the more widely accepted term in cognitive psychology for this function within memory systems.