What is the process called that stabilizes new information from short-term memory to form long-term memories?

The process that stabilizes new information from short-term memory to form long-term memories is known as memory consolidation. This is a crucial step in the memory formation process, as it transforms the fleeting memories initially held in short-term storage into more durable, long-lasting memories stored in long-term memory.

Memory consolidation typically occurs after the initial encoding of the information, primarily during periods of rest or sleep, when the brain organizes and integrates new experiences with existing knowledge. Neurobiological mechanisms, including changes in synaptic connections and activity in various brain regions, play a key role in this process.

While information processing refers to the mental operations involved in acquiring, storing, and retrieving knowledge, it does not specifically address how memories are transitioned from short-term to long-term. Memory retrieval pertains to the act of accessing and bringing stored memories back into awareness, and long-term storage refers to the retention of information over extended periods. However, neither of these processes specifically encapsulates the transitional phase that memory consolidation represents.