What is the term for keeping information in memory for later use?

The term that accurately describes the process of keeping information in memory for later use is retention. Retention refers to the ability to maintain information in the memory store over time, allowing for recall when it is needed later. This process is key to how we learn and remember experiences, facts, skills, and other information that we accumulate throughout our lives.

In contrast, encoding refers to the initial process of converting information into a form that can be stored in memory. Attention involves the focus we give to specific stimuli or information, which is necessary for effective encoding. Reproduction pertains to the act of recalling or retrieving the information from memory, rather than the storage aspect itself. Therefore, retention is essential as it highlights the role of memory in ensuring that information remains accessible for future use.