Which term refers to the brief hold of tactile information before it's processed into short-term memory?

• A. Echoic memory
• B. Iconic memory
• C. Haptic memory
• D. Sensation

Answer: (C)

Tactile sensory memory, known as haptic memory, is the brief hold of touch information just after it enters the senses and before it’s encoded into short-term memory. This store briefly preserves tactile details so the brain can decide what to pay attention to next and whether to transfer it into working memory. In contrast, iconic memory is visual sensory memory, echoic memory is auditory sensory memory, and sensation refers to the raw sensory input itself rather than a memory store.