What type of memory involves processing impressions from sensory stimuli?

Sensory memory is the correct choice because it is specifically designed to briefly retain impressions of sensory stimuli from the environment. This type of memory allows individuals to hold onto sensory information for a very short period, typically just a few seconds. Sensory memory serves as an initial stage in the information processing system, capturing the raw data from sights, sounds, smells, and other sensory inputs before this information is either transferred to short-term memory or lost.

In contrast, long-term memory is responsible for storing information over extended periods, which may last from days to a lifetime, and encompasses everything from factual knowledge to personal experiences. Short-term memory focuses on retaining information for a limited duration, usually seconds to minutes, and typically holds only a small amount of data. Working memory is a more active and limited form of short-term memory that allows for the manipulation and processing of information for cognitive tasks, but it builds upon information that has already been briefly captured by sensory memory. Therefore, sensory memory is specifically dedicated to the initial processing of sensory impressions before any further cognitive processing takes place.