Which type of cognitive task typically requires working memory?

• A. Solving complex problems
• B. Remembering a phone number for a few seconds
• C. Automatically following a habitual routine
• D. Reading something you already know well

Answer: (A)

Working memory is used when you must actively hold information in your mind and manipulate it to reach a goal. Solving complex problems fits this because you need to keep multiple facts and relationships in mind, compare options, plan steps, and adjust your approach as you test ideas. This kind of active processing relies on the central executive coordinating the short-term buffers while you work through the problem.

In contrast, remembering a phone number for a few seconds is mainly about maintenance of verbal information in the short term, not manipulating it. Automatically following a habitual routine is driven by automatic, well-practiced procedures stored in long-term memory, not active working memory. Reading something you know well relies more on retrieving information from long-term memory than on holding and transforming new information in working memory.