FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What is one characteristic of long-term memory?

1. It is fragile and easily altered

2. It is temporary and limited

3. It is unlimited and permanent

4. It relies heavily on external prompts

The correct answer is: It is unlimited and permanent

Long-term memory is characterized by its capacity to store an immense amount of information over extended periods, which can often last a lifetime. The notion that it is "unlimited and permanent" underscores its ability to hold vast arrays of information, including facts, experiences, and skills. Unlike short-term memory, which is limited in both duration and capacity, long-term memory can retain experiences and knowledge indefinitely. Additionally, while long-term memories can sometimes be difficult to retrieve or might fade over time if not accessed, they do not typically disappear entirely. This permanence is exemplified through the retention of information acquired throughout a person’s life, as memories can be reinforced with more experiences or can sometimes resurface unexpectedly. This robust storage capacity distinguishes long-term memory from other types of memory storage.