Abstract
This review considers recent findings on motor-response programming which indicate that there is a temporary mode of storage for response commands. This storage, which is distinct from long-term memory, is required for emission of a programmed response even when there are no explicit requirements for memory. Although this system is considered to be primarily a stage in response control rather than a memory system, it may mediate verbal short-term memory when encoded in articulatory form. The implications of this perspective on short-term memory are considered.
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Much of the author’s research reviewed here was supported by the Small Grants Program of the Research Foundation of California State University, Hayward. The final version of this paper has benefited from comments on earlier versions from Anthony Greenwald, David Tieman, and Delos Wickens, although the author doubts that any of these reviewers would care to endorse the final theoretical statement in all of its details.
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Klapp, S.T. Short-term memory as a response preparation state. Memory & Cognition 4, 721–729 (1976). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03213240
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03213240