In what terms do we typically encode short-term memories?

Short-term memories are often encoded in auditory or articulatory terms, which is primarily due to how we process and hold onto verbal information. This process involves rehearsing sounds or words mentally, which helps maintain the information in our short-term memory. For example, when trying to remember a phone number or a word, individuals commonly repeat it verbally in their minds, reinforcing the memory trace.

The auditory and articulatory encoding is particularly effective because it aligns with our natural inclination to process language and sound. It helps in distinguishing and retaining verbal information for a short period, allowing for easy retrieval while performing tasks such as conversations or solving problems that require immediate recall.

In contrast, while visual or spatial terms are relevant to longer-term memory and certain cognitive tasks, they are less effective for immediate short-term memory retention in most everyday scenarios. Emotional or contextual terms have a more significant impact on long-term memory encoding and retrieval, while kinaesthetic or tactile terms are more pertinent to physical skills and actions rather than short-term verbal memory retention.