What is the term for the process of converting information into the memory system?

The process of converting information into the memory system is known as encoding. This is the first step in forming a new memory, where sensory input is transformed into a construct that can be stored and later recalled. Encoding can involve various strategies, such as attaching meaning, associating new information with existing knowledge, or using mnemonic devices to make the information more memorable.

Retrieval refers to the process of accessing and bringing stored information back into conscious awareness. Storage is the maintenance of information over time, which occurs after encoding has taken place. Decoding, while it may seem related, is not a recognized term in the context of memory processes; rather, it implies translating or interpreting information, which is not the same as the initial encoding of information into memory. Understanding these various components of memory—encoding, storage, and retrieval—highlights how we process and utilize information in our cognitive functions.