Which type of sensory memory specifically retains visual images for a brief period?

Iconic memory is the type of sensory memory that specifically retains visual images for a brief period, typically lasting only a fraction of a second. This form of memory allows individuals to hold onto visual information, such as a scene or an object, just long enough to process and understand it before it fades away. Iconic memory captures the fleeting impressions of what we see, facilitating the transition between perception and more complex cognitive processing.

In contrast, echoic memory pertains to auditory information and retains sounds for short durations, while short-term memory encompasses a broader capacity for temporarily holding various types of information, though for a limited duration. Working memory, on the other hand, involves the manipulation and use of retrieved information rather than just storage. Each of the other types plays a distinct role in our cognitive processes, differentiating them from the specific function of iconic memory.