Final answer:
Encoding is the stage that follows perception in the memory formation process. It involves transforming sensory input into a form that can be stored and accessed later. It is essential for subsequent retrieval and storage of memories.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the process of forming memories, once perception ends, encoding begins. The correct answer is a) Encoding. Encoding is the initial learning of information; it is the process through which information enters our memory system. According to a typically held model of memory, there are three core processes involved: encoding, storage, and retrieval. Initially, sensory input must be transformed into a form that can be placed into storage. This first step, encoding, involves concentrating on information in an effort to comprehend and represent it within the mind.
Once information is encoded, it moves to the next stages: storage and potential retrieval. Storage is the retention of the information over time, and retrieval is the ability to access the information when it's necessary. Without proper encoding, as demonstrated by the oft-cited penny example, details are not adequately saved into long-term memory, and thus retrieval fails because the memory was never firmly established in the first place. This is known as encoding failure. Retrieval processes, such as recall and recognition, rely heavily on how well information was encoded initially. Therefore, encoding is a pivotal step in the process of forming long-lasting memories.