What is the act of searching for and identifying information from long-term storage called?

The act of searching for and identifying information from long-term storage is referred to as retrieval. This process involves accessing information that has been previously encoded into memory and stored for future use. Retrieval can be triggered by various cues, and it allows individuals to recall facts, experiences, and learned skills. This is essential for utilizing stored knowledge in tasks such as problem solving, decision-making, and personal recollections.

In contrast, encoding is the process of converting sensory input into a form that can be stored in memory. Consolidation is the process by which newly acquired information is stabilized and integrated into long-term memory, making it more durable. Attention refers to the cognitive process of selectively concentrating on specific stimuli while ignoring others, which is crucial for effective encoding but does not pertain directly to the act of retrieving stored information.