Visual sensory memory, a component of the human memory system, briefly holds a fleeting image of what a person has just seen. It is a type of sensory memory that is specific to visual information, retaining a near-exact copy of the visual world for a very short duration. For example, if an individual glances at a complex scene, this visual sensory store momentarily preserves the entire view before most of it is rapidly discarded, allowing the individual to process the key elements.
This form of memory plays a crucial role in allowing individuals to perceive the world as a continuous and stable experience. Without it, visual information would be fragmented and disjointed. Its brief duration, typically less than a second, facilitates the selection and transfer of relevant visual input to short-term memory for further processing. Historically, studies examining this phenomenon have provided significant insights into the workings of human attention and perception.
