Long-term memory is the representational basis for semantic verbal short-term memory.
The present study supports activation models of verbal short-term memory that include a semantic contribution to the retention process. Event-related brain potentials were used to probe the level of activation of semantic representations of a series of words in a delay interval following their presentation. The levels of activation were compared in two tasks: (1) a short-term memory task that involved a semantic judgment in the recall phase following the delay interval, and (2) a nonmemory control task. The level of semantic activation during the delay interval was higher in the short-term memory task, indicating that enhanced activation of semantic representations is involved in the short-term storage of verbal information. This result implies that activated long-term memory provides a representational basis for semantic verbal short-term memory, and hence supports theories that postulate that short- and long-term stores are not separate.
Cameron
Katherine A
KA
Department of Psychology, Washington College, Chestertown, Maryland 21210, USA.
Haarmann
Henk J
HJ
Grafman
Jordan
J
Ruchkin
Daniel S
DS
D000328:Adult; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005071:Evoked Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology