Step 1: Understanding the stages of memory.
Memory involves three primary stages: encoding (the process of transforming sensory input into a form that can be stored in memory), storage (the retention of encoded information over time), and retrieval (the process of recalling stored information).
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
- (A) Incorrect, the correct order starts with encoding, followed by storage, and then retrieval.
- (B) Incorrect, the stages of memory do not follow this sequence. Retrieval happens after encoding and storage.
- (C) Correct, the correct sequence of memory stages is encoding, followed by storage, and then retrieval.
- (D) Incorrect, decoding is not a formal stage of memory.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (C) Encoding, Storage, Retrieval.