Which type of memory involves initial perception of stimuli?

Sensory memory refers to the immediate, initial perception of stimuli from the environment, capturing an array of information through our senses (sight, sound, touch, etc.) for a very brief period, typically less than a second for visual stimuli and a few seconds for auditory stimuli. This type of memory allows individuals to retain impressions of sensory information after the stimuli have ceased, providing a buffer for the perception of the stimuli before they are processed and transferred to short-term or working memory for further analysis and storage.

Networking this concept with the other types of memory:

Short-term memory involves the temporary storage of information that we actively think about for a short duration, usually seconds to minutes, and does not encompass the raw, fleeting impressions characteristic of sensory memory. Long-term memory pertains to information that has been encoded and consolidated over time for more permanent storage, far exceeding the fleeting nature of sensory memory. Working memory is like a mental workspace that allows for the manipulation and management of information that is actively being used or processed, also distinct from the mere initial perception captured in sensory memory.

Understanding these distinctions clarifies why sensory memory is the appropriate choice; it is specifically concerned with our initial encounter and perception of stimuli, immediately after they are sensed.