Which component of working memory is primarily auditory?

The correct answer is C, the phonological loop, which is a component of working memory that is primarily responsible for processing and storing verbal and auditory information. The phonological loop consists of two parts: the phonological store, which briefly holds auditory information, and the articulatory rehearsal process, which allows for the maintenance of this information through repetition or rehearsal.

This component functions to manage speech-based material, such as words and sounds, making it essential for tasks that require verbal processing. For example, when trying to remember a phone number, the phonological loop enables an individual to repeat the digits verbally in their mind, facilitating retention and recall.

In contrast, the visuospatial sketchpad primarily deals with visual and spatial information, helping to process images and their spatial relationships. The episodic buffer integrates information from the phonological loop and the visuospatial sketchpad as well as long-term memory, providing a more comprehensive understanding of working memory. Long-term memory, while related to the overall process of information retention, does not serve the active, short-term processing role that the phonological loop does.