lähimuisti

Lähimuisti, often translated as short-term memory, refers to the capacity for holding a small amount of information in mind in an active, readily available state for a short period. This cognitive function is crucial for tasks that require immediate processing and manipulation of information. It is distinct from long-term memory, which stores information for extended periods.

The duration of information held in lähimuisti is typically very brief, often on the order of seconds to a minute, unless actively rehearsed or transferred to long-term memory. The capacity of lähimuisti is also limited. A commonly cited figure is the "magical number seven, plus or minus two," suggesting that most people can hold around seven items in their short-term memory at any given time. However, this capacity can be influenced by factors such as chunking, where individual pieces of information are grouped into larger, more meaningful units.

Lähimuisti plays a vital role in everyday cognitive processes. It allows us to understand sentences as they are spoken, perform mental calculations, follow instructions, and maintain awareness of our immediate surroundings. When reading, lähimuisti holds the beginning of a sentence while we process the later parts. In problem-solving, it retains intermediate steps and results. Disruptions to lähimuisti, as seen in certain neurological conditions or due to aging, can significantly impair an individual's ability to function effectively in daily life. The concept of working memory is closely related to lähimuisti, often emphasizing the active manipulation and processing of information in addition to its temporary storage.