Which process involves attaching meaning to information for later recall?

The process of attaching meaning to information for later recall is referred to as encoding. When we encode information, we transform it into a format that our memory systems can store effectively. This transformation often involves associating new information with existing knowledge, allowing for more meaningful relationships that facilitate recall.

For example, when learning a new vocabulary word, understanding its definition and usage in context helps to encode that word in a way that can be easily retrieved later. The richer the encoding process—through techniques like visualization, storytelling, or making connections—the more likely we are to remember the information when we need it later.

Consolidation, while an important aspect of memory, specifically refers to the process by which encoded information becomes stable in long-term memory after initial learning. Attention is crucial in determining what information gets encoded into memory, but it does not involve attaching meaning itself. Retrieval pertains to accessing or recalling the stored information, not the process of attaching meaning to it initially.