Which cognitive skill is crucial for focusing on a task while remembering information?

The cognitive skill that is crucial for focusing on a task while remembering information is working memory. Working memory allows individuals to hold and manipulate information in their mind for a short period, which is essential for tasks that require concentration and recall of information simultaneously. This skill enables a person to keep relevant details accessible while engaging in a task, facilitating problem-solving and decision-making processes.

In many learning and everyday contexts, working memory supports the ability to follow multi-step instructions or hold onto information long enough to apply it effectively, which is vital in both academic and practical scenarios. As a result, effective working memory is integral to successfully executing tasks that require sustained attention and cognitive processing.