What is the correct sequence of information processing in memory?

• A. STM-sensory register-LTM
• B. Sensory register-STM-LTM
• C. Sensory register-LTM-STM
• D. LTM-sensory register-STM

Answer: (B)

Information moves through memory by starting with a brief sensory trace of what we perceive. When we pay attention, that sensory information enters short-term memory, where we actively hold and manipulate it. Through rehearsal and encoding, it can then be stored in long-term memory for later retrieval. This flow—sensory register to short-term memory to long-term memory—describes how new experiences become enduring knowledge. Short-term memory has limited capacity and lasts only a short time, while long-term memory stores information more permanently.

If you try to start with short-term memory, you’re missing the initial sensory capture that adds the raw input to be processed. Beginning with long-term memory would imply you already know or recall something before it’s perceived, which isn’t how new information is encoded.