Which process describes retaining encoded information over time?

The process that describes retaining encoded information over time is storage. In the context of memory, storage refers to the way in which information is maintained in the brain after it has been encoded. This retention can occur over various durations, from brief periods to a lifetime. When we learn something new, that information first goes through encoding, where it is transformed into a format that can be stored. After encoding, the information must be stored securely so it can be accessed later. This process is fundamental to learning, as it allows us to accumulate knowledge and experiences that can be drawn upon for future use.

Retrieval pertains to the process of recalling or accessing the stored information when needed, but it does not involve the initial retention of that information. Feedback relates to information provided to a learner about their performance, which influences future learning but does not describe the retention of encoded information itself. Metacognition involves awareness and understanding of one’s own thought processes, which can influence learning and memory, but again, it does not directly refer to the storage of information over time. Thus, storage is the correct term to describe the retention of encoded information.