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How does working memory differ from long-term memory?

Remembering a route from last year and holding the next two directions in mind are different demands. Working memory keeps information available for ongoing activity, while long-term memory concerns information retained beyond that immediate task.

3–5 min

Questions you could explore

  • How can the two systems contribute to the same everyday activity?
  • What makes keeping directions in mind different from retrieving a familiar route?

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