__________ is the first stage of information processing.

A) Encoding
B) Paraphrasing
C) Rehearsing
D) Retrieving

Encoding is the process of taking in information and converting it into a form that can be stored in memory. This is the first stage of information processing, as without encoding, there would be no information to store, rehearse, or retrieve later on. Paraphrasing and rehearsing can be part of the encoding process, but they are not stages of information processing on their own. Retrieving is the final stage of information processing, as it involves accessing stored information and bringing it back into conscious awareness.