Final answer:
The memory process that involves bringing information out of storage is called retrieval. This process is essential for utilizing the information we've previously learned and stored in our memory. Effective retrieval relies heavily on how well the information was initially encoded.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Memory Retrieval
The memory process in which information held in memory is brought out of storage is known as retrieval. This is a crucial function of memory that allows us to access and use the information we have previously encoded and stored. When we need to remember something for an exam or recognize a familiar face, we rely on retrieval to bring the information back into conscious awareness. The Atkinson-Shiffrin model of memory suggests that after information passes through sensory memory and short-term memory, rehearsal helps transfer it into long-term memory for permanent storage, where it can be retrieved later through recall, recognition, or relearning.
For example, recall is used when you need to write an essay without any cues, whereas recognition might help you pick the right answer in a multiple-choice test or recognize classmates at a reunion. Notably, successful retrieval of information depends on how effectively it was encoded. If the information was never properly encoded in the first place, such as the details of a penny that most people overlook, retrieving it becomes impossible, leading to what is described as encoding failure.