What is the name of the memory subsystem that retains information for about 30 seconds?

The memory subsystem that retains information for about 30 seconds is known as short-term memory. This type of memory allows individuals to hold and manipulate information temporarily, making it essential for tasks such as remembering a phone number just long enough to write it down. Generally, short-term memory has a limited capacity, frequently described by Miller’s law, which suggests it can hold about seven items, plus or minus two.

In comparison, long-term memory refers to the storage of information over extended periods, often from hours to a lifetime, making it unsuitable for the brief retention period specified in the question. Sensory memory captures impressions from sensory input (like sights or sounds) for a very short duration, typically less than a second. Immediate memory is a less commonly used term but often overlaps with the concept of working or short-term memory, emphasizing the brief retention of information for immediate tasks. Thus, short-term memory is the most accurate answer when referring to the subsystem that retains information for around 30 seconds.