What is the process of converting information into a form suitable for storage called?

The process of converting information into a form suitable for storage is known as encoding. This step is crucial in memory formation, as it determines how information is transformed and processed before it is stored in the brain. When we encode information, we may use various strategies, such as visual imagery, categorization, or mnemonics, to make the data more manageable and memorable.

Retrieval refers to the process of accessing or recalling previously stored information, while storage is the actual retention of encoded information over time. Activation, in the context of memory, often relates to triggering the retrieval of stored memories or activating neural pathways associated with specific memories. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the specific role encoding plays in memory and learning.