What is the name of the mental space that temporarily holds a small amount of information for a short time?

The name of the mental space that temporarily holds a small amount of information for a short time is short-term memory. This type of memory is essential for tasks where immediate recall is necessary, such as remembering a phone number long enough to dial it. Short-term memory typically has a limited capacity, often cited as being able to hold about seven items for a duration of around 20 to 30 seconds without rehearsal.

While working memory is also related to temporary information storage, it specifically involves the manipulation of that information and is more dynamic, engaging in processes such as reasoning and learning. Long-term memory refers to the storage of information over an extended period, while permanent memory is not a recognized term in standard cognitive psychology. Thus, short-term memory is the most accurate answer in this context, reflecting its specific role in holding and processing brief pieces of information.