Which of the following describes the role of working memory?

The role of working memory is best described by the process of processing and manipulating information. Working memory acts as a mental workspace that allows individuals to hold and work with information temporarily. This is crucial for tasks that require reasoning, comprehension, and learning, as it enables a person to actively engage with information, make connections, and perform cognitive tasks in real-time.

Working memory is involved in a wide range of activities, such as solving math problems, following multi-step directions, and understanding a conversation. It is not simply a storage system; rather, it requires the manipulation of information, where individuals can transform data, integrate new information with existing knowledge, and draw from their cognitive resources to achieve specific goals.

This role of actively processing and manipulating information sets working memory apart from other types of memory systems, such as long-term memory, which focuses on retention and storage over time.