What does the episodic buffer link?

• A. Phonological loop with visuospatial sketchpad
• B. Working memory with long-term memory
• C. Central executive with long-term memory
• D. It replaces the phonological loop

Answer: (B)

The episodic buffer serves as a temporary, multisensory storage that binds information from different parts of working memory and connects to long-term memory. It takes inputs from the phonological loop and the visuospatial sketchpad under the control of the central executive, combines them into a coherent episodic representation, and can transfer this integrated information to long-term memory or pull from it. This bridging role—holding and integrating diverse information so it can be stored or retrieved in long-term memory—explains why the correct answer is that it links working memory with long-term memory. It doesn’t replace the phonological loop, nor does its primary function involve just connecting the central executive to LTM.