Which memory type allows for manipulation of information in real-world applications?

Short-term memory, also known as working memory, is the type of memory that enables the manipulation of information for immediate cognitive tasks, such as problem-solving, reasoning, and decision-making in real-world applications. This form of memory temporarily holds a limited amount of information and allows individuals to actively engage with it. For instance, when multitasking or following a complex set of instructions, short-term memory plays a critical role in keeping relevant details readily accessible, facilitating task completion and adaptive behavior in dynamic environments.

In contrast, long-term memory primarily functions as a vast repository for storing information over extended periods. While it can influence behavior and decision-making through previously learned information, it does not support the immediate manipulation of information needed in real-time activities. Sensory memory serves as a brief initial stage of memory that captures sensory information but is too fleeting for manipulation or application in practical contexts. Implicit memory involves knowledge that influences behavior without conscious awareness, such as skills or conditioned responses, but it does not pertain to the active manipulation of current information for immediate tasks.