What does long-term memory (LTM) primarily refer to in the study of cognitive psychology?

Long-term memory (LTM) is understood in cognitive psychology as a stage of memory storage that allows for the retention of information for extended periods, ranging from years to even decades. This extensive capacity distinguishes LTM from other memory stages, such as short-term memory, which has a limited duration and capacity for information retention.

The ability of long-term memory to store a significant amount of information includes various types, such as declarative (explicit) memory, which encompasses facts and events, and non-declarative (implicit) memory, which involves skills and conditioned responses. The transition from short-term to long-term memory is often influenced by processes like rehearsal, meaningful connections, and organizational strategies that help encode and retrieve information effectively over time.

In contrast, other options refer to different aspects or stages of memory. For instance, a stage of memory that can hold a large amount of information for a limited time pertains to short-term memory rather than long-term memory, while recalling information immediately aligns more with sensory memory or short-term memory processes rather than long-term storage. Additionally, enhancing retention of sensory memory does not capture the essence of what LTM represents. Thus, the primary definition of long-term memory indeed relates to its capacity and duration, making the answer focused