Which of the following best describes the relationship between short-term and long-term memory?

The best description of the relationship between short-term and long-term memory is that short-term memory can transfer information to long-term memory through rehearsal. This process is essential in the context of memory formation.

Short-term memory, often referred to as working memory, has a limited capacity and typically holds information for a brief period. In contrast, long-term memory is where information is stored more permanently, allowing us to retain knowledge and experiences over time. The transfer of information from short-term to long-term memory occurs primarily through rehearsal, which can be either maintenance rehearsal (repeating the information to oneself) or elaborative rehearsal (linking new information to existing knowledge).

This rehearsal process helps consolidate memories, allowing the brain to encode and store the information effectively for later retrieval. Therefore, this describes an important mechanism within our cognitive functioning, highlighting the dynamic interplay between short and long-term memory.