What is the first step in the memory process?

The first step in the memory process is encoding. This stage is crucial as it involves transforming information from our environment into a form that can be stored in the brain. Encoding can occur through various means, such as visual images, sounds, or through the association of new information with existing knowledge, which enhances the ability to recall that information later.

This initial phase sets the foundation for both storage and retrieval stages, as information must first be encoded to be effectively stored and later retrieved when needed. Without proper encoding, the subsequent stages of memory function would be ineffective, as there would be no accurate representation of the information available for later use. Understanding this process is key to grasping how we form memories and recall information in psychology and cognitive sciences.