What is the main purpose of storage in memory systems?

The main purpose of storage in memory systems is to maintain encoded information. Storage refers to the process of retaining information over time so that it can be accessed later. This involves the organization and retention of data after it has been processed and encoded. In other words, once information is perceived and encoded, storage allows that information to remain available for retrieval when needed, forming the basis of our long-term memory.

In contrast, processing sensory input pertains to the initial stages of memory where information is captured and prepared for further processing, which is not the focus of storage. Retrieval, while essential, is the act of accessing stored information rather than the purpose of storage itself. Eliminating redundant information might relate more to how memory systems manage and optimize stored information but is not the primary function of storage within memory systems. Thus, maintaining encoded information accurately captures the essence of what storage accomplishes in the memory framework.