Which process is essential for transferring information from short-term to long-term memory?

Rehearsal is a critical process for transferring information from short-term memory to long-term memory because it involves actively repeating or practicing information to keep it in mind and facilitate its storage. Through rehearsal, individuals can strengthen their memory traces, making it easier to recall the information later. There are different types of rehearsal, such as maintenance rehearsal, which focuses on repeating information to maintain it in short-term memory, and elaborative rehearsal, which involves linking new information to existing knowledge, thus enhancing understanding and retention.

Encoding refers to the initial process of transforming sensory input into a form that can be stored in memory, distinguishing it from the transfer process that rehearsal signifies. Retrieval involves accessing information from memory, while recognition is the ability to identify previously learned information in a given context. Each of these processes plays a role in memory, but rehearsal is specifically key for moving information into long-term storage.