How long does visual sensory memory last?

Visual sensory memory, often referred to as iconic memory, typically lasts for a very brief period, approximately 250 milliseconds. This duration reflects how long visual information is retained in a person's sensory memory before either being processed and transferred into short-term memory or lost. The fleeting nature of iconic memory allows the brain to quickly process visual stimuli and decide which aspects are worthy of further attention.

This time frame is crucial in understanding how we perceive and react to our visual environments, as it forms the basis for our perception of motion and continuity in what we see. For instance, when watching a movie, our iconic memory helps us perceive fluid motion rather than a series of still frames. This characteristic is pivotal in cognitive psychology as it informs how we understand attention and perception mechanisms.

The other durations offered in the question extend beyond the typical lifespan of iconic memory, making them less accurate in describing how long visual sensory memory lasts in general.