What is the term for the capacity to hold a small amount of information actively for a short duration?

The correct term for the capacity to hold a small amount of information actively for a short duration is working memory. Working memory refers to the system responsible for temporarily holding and manipulating information. It allows for the processing and recalling of information needed for cognitive tasks, such as reasoning, comprehension, and learning.

Unlike short-term memory, which is more focused on the capacity to hold information, working memory emphasizes the active manipulation and processing of that information. While short-term memory is a component of working memory, the term "working memory" captures the full range of cognitive activities that involve not just holding onto information but also using it in some kind of mental operation.

The other terms, like echoic memory and long-term memory, refer to different aspects of memory processing: echoic memory is the auditory equivalent of sensory memory, and long-term memory is intended for storing information over extended periods, often characterized by a much larger capacity. Thus, in the context of the question, working memory is the most accurate and comprehensive term for the active maintenance of information in the short term.