Final answer:
Encoding is the process of converting an idea into a communicable form, essential in both interpersonal communication and the formation of memory within the psychology field.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the communication model, encoding is the process of translating an idea into a form of communication that will convey the desired meaning. Encoding involves the sender converting thoughts or information into a message, which is then transmitted to the receiver. This process plays a crucial role in communication as it ensures that the information sent is presented in a manner that is understandable to the receiver.
Communication is a key component in various fields, including the human body, where the nervous system and the endocrine system participate in long-distance communication to maintain homeostasis. In psychology, encoding is also the initial step in creating a new memory, where information is transformed into a construct that can be stored within the brain and later recalled. Both words and pictures are ways of encoding information, each requiring its own type of interpretation to convey the intended message.