What component of memory is primarily responsible for processing external information for short periods?

The component of memory primarily responsible for processing external information for short periods is working memory. Working memory serves an essential function in our cognitive processes, enabling us to temporarily hold and manipulate information necessary for tasks such as reasoning, learning, and comprehension. It does this by actively processing information retrieved from the sensory register and organizing it for further use.

This brief and active processing capacity makes working memory crucial for performing complex cognitive tasks, as it allows individuals to integrate new information with what they already know. For example, while solving a math problem, a person might hold numbers in working memory while also applying rules or concepts to arrive at a solution.

In contrast, the sensory register, which is an initial stage of memory, captures sensory information for a very short period, typically just a fraction of a second, allowing it to be briefly experienced. Long-term memory, on the other hand, is designed for storage of information over extended periods, and the iconic register specifically pertains to the visual aspect of sensory memory, which is also not as involved in the active processing of information. Thus, working memory is the most fitting answer, as it encompasses the active processing and manipulation of information for immediate use.