Which type of memory retains information for the shortest duration?

Sensory memory retains information for the shortest duration compared to the other types of memory listed. It acts as a brief holding area for sensory information, allowing individuals to perceive and briefly reflect on stimuli from their environment. This type of memory typically lasts only a few milliseconds to a couple of seconds at most before it fades unless it is attended to and processed further.

In contrast, short-term memory can hold information for a longer period, generally up to 30 seconds, while working memory is a more dynamic aspect of short-term memory that actively processes information. Long-term memory is where information is stored for extended periods, ranging from days to a lifetime. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why sensory memory is characterized by such fleeting retention of information.