Encoding failure occurs when the brain fails to create a memory link to a piece of information. This means that the information is not stored in the memory, making it impossible to retrieve later. Encoding is the first step in creating a memory, and if this process is disrupted, the memory is not formed.
There are several reasons why encoding failure might happen. One common reason is lack of attention. If you are not paying attention to the information, your brain may not encode it properly. Another reason could be the complexity of the information. If the information is too complex or unfamiliar, the brain might struggle to encode it.
For example, if you are introduced to someone at a party but are distracted by something else, you might not remember their name later. This is because your brain did not encode the name due to lack of attention.
Encoding failure is a normal part of how memory works. It helps the brain prioritize important information and filter out less important details. However, if encoding failure happens frequently, it might be a sign of a more serious issue, such as a memory disorder.