Which component of working memory handles visual and spatial information?

• A. Visuospatial Sketchpad
• B. Phonological Loop
• C. Central Executive
• D. Long-Term Memory

Answer: (A)

Visuospatial sketchpad handles visual and spatial information. It temporarily stores and manipulates visual images and the relationships between objects in space, letting you visualize routes, rotate objects in your mind, or track where things are in a scene. This is distinct from the phonological loop, which deals with sounds and words, and from the central executive, which directs attention and coordinates processing between components. Long-term memory is separate from working memory and stores information over longer periods. So, for visual and spatial tasks, the visuospatial sketchpad is the right component.