How can information be temporarily stored when attention is divided?

• A. It cannot be stored at all when attention is divided.
• B. Information can be stored briefly in the phonological store and later rehearsed using the articulatory process.
• C. Only visual-spatial information can be stored.
• D. The central executive stores it in long-term memory.

Answer: (B)

When attention is divided, temporary storage for verbal information comes from the phonological loop. The phonological store holds speech-based items for a short period, and the articulatory rehearsal process (subvocal repeating) refreshes that trace, keeping the information usable for a little longer. So you can remember a string of digits or a few words by silently rehearsing them while you juggle another task. This is why the best description is that information can be stored briefly in the phonological store and later rehearsed using the articulatory process.

The idea that nothing can be stored, or that only visual-spatial information can be stored, or that the central executive stores things in long-term memory doesn’t fit the model. The central executive coordinates effort and attention but doesn’t serve as a storage site, and verbal items don’t rely solely on long-term memory for short-term storage.