In the WMM, what role does the phonological loop play?

• A. Long-term memory consolidation
• B. Temporary storage of visual-spatial information
• C. Temporary storage and rehearsal of verbal information
• D. Multimodal integration across senses

Answer: (C)

The phonological loop is responsible for the temporary storage and rehearsal of verbal information. It has a phonological store that holds speech-based items briefly and an articulatory rehearsal process that refreshes them through subvocal repetition, keeping digits, words, or other spoken material accessible in the moment. This mechanism explains why we can keep a phone number in mind just long enough to dial it and why longer words are harder to maintain (the word-length effect) and why similar-sounding items interfere more easily (the phonological similarity effect). It’s distinct from the visuospatial sketchpad, which handles visual and spatial information, and from processes involved in long-term memory or multimodal integration.