Memory is foundational to the human experience, but what is it really? Memory can most simply broken down into three unique processes. 

Encoding is the first step, when you hear new information for the first time you start the process of encoding. The information is first detected and held in sensory memory, this is where storage begins. If it is important, it moves to short-term memory, information here can only be held temporarily. There is also a limited capacity between five and nine items. For something to truly be remembered, it needs to be shifted to long-term memory. With an "infinite" amount of storage, memories here can be stored forever. But what happens when you forget something? Forgetting is an issue with retrieval, the third step of memory. Every time you recall any information or skill you've learned you are participating in retrieval. Unfortunately, human memory is susceptible to degradation and even inventing new memories.