Which of the following correctly differentiates between sensory memory and short-term memory in the context of the Three Box Model of Memory?

• A. Sensory memory is responsible for conscious processing, while short-term memory operates entirely unconsciously.
• B. Sensory memory organizes information into meaningful units, while short-term memory only encodes raw sensory input.
• C. Sensory memory holds information for a fraction of a second, while short-term memory retains information for up to about 20 seconds.
• D. Sensory memory can store unlimited amounts of information, whereas short-term memory can only store visual information.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the Three Box Model of Memory, which includes sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory, each with distinct functions and durations.
2. Step 2: Recall that sensory memory briefly holds raw sensory information from the environment for a very short duration, typically less than a second.
3. Step 3: Recognize that short-term memory temporarily holds and processes information for a longer duration than sensory memory, usually up to about 20 seconds, and has limited capacity.
4. Step 4: Evaluate each option by comparing it to these characteristics: sensory memory is very brief and raw, short-term memory is longer and involves conscious processing.
5. Step 5: Identify the option that correctly states sensory memory holds information for a fraction of a second, while short-term memory retains information for up to about 20 seconds, as this aligns with the established definitions.