CHC Theory: Short-term memory (Gsm) defined

Short-Term Memory (Gsm): The ability to encode, maintain, and manipulate information in one’s immediate awareness. Gsm refers to individual differences in both the capacity (size) of primary memory and to the efficiency of attentional control mechanisms that manipulate information within primary memory.

• Memory Span (MS). The ability to encode information, maintain it in primary memory, and immediately reproduce the information in the same sequence in which it was represented.
• Working Memory Capacity (WM). The ability to direct the focus of attention to perform relatively simple manipulations, combinations, and transformations of information within primary memory while avoiding distracting stimuli and engaging in strategic/controlled searches for information in secondary memory. 

The above definitions were abstracted from Schneider and McGrew's (2012) contemporary CHC theory chapter in the form of a special CHC v2.0 publication. See the chapter for more in depth information regarding this ability domain and contemporary CHC theory.

Prior definitions in this series can be found here.

Thanks to Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman for permission to to use the above graphic depiction of this CHC ability. These CHC icons are part of Dr. Kaufman's book, Ungifted: Intelligence Redefined, and are the creative work of George Doutsiopoulos.