Final answer:
Storing information by converting it into mental pictures is known as imagery storage, a part of mnemonic devices that include visual encoding. Mnemonic devices such as acronyms and acrostic phrases make use of visual encoding along with creative associations for better memory retention and retrieval.
Step-by-step explanation:
Storing information by converting it into mental pictures is known as imagery storage. This process aligns with mnemonic devices which are strategic aids that assist in improving memory. A well-known mnemonic device is the acronym, like HOMES used to remember the names of the Great Lakes. Similarly, an acrostic is another type of mnemonic device where a phrase is formed from the first letters of each word you want to remember. Using such imagery can strengthen memory as it engages visual encoding, which aids in forming stronger, more easily retrievable memories.
When it comes to the three functions of memory, they are encoding, storage, and retrieval. Encoding is the process of inputting information into the memory system, storage is the retention of the encoded information, and retrieval is the act of getting the information out of memory and back into awareness.