Memory Classifications: Implicit and Explicit - Understanding the Distinction
In the realm of memory, two distinct types play crucial roles in shaping our behaviour and experiences: implicit and explicit memory.
Implicit memory, often referred to as procedural memory, operates below the level of conscious awareness. It is the memory that influences our behaviour without our conscious recognition. Examples of implicit memory include learning to ride a bike, drive a car, tying shoes, brushing teeth, and even putting on clothes. This type of memory operates automatically and is based on past experiences that have been automatically stored in the brain[1][3][5]. It influences everyday behaviour by enabling us to perform tasks smoothly without actively thinking about the steps involved.
On the other hand, explicit memory, also known as declarative memory, is a type of long-term memory that allows conscious recall of specific information. This includes remembering a friend's birthday, recalling a conversation, or consciously learning new information[1][4][5]. Explicit memory is the conscious, intentional retrieval of past information or experiences, involving conscious awareness and effortful recollection.
In everyday life, implicit memory shapes behaviour by guiding automatic skills and learned responses without needing conscious effort — for example, knowing how to type on a keyboard or automatically feeling fear from a conditioned stimulus. Explicit memory, on the other hand, shapes behaviour by enabling deliberate recall of facts and events, influencing how we learn new information, solve problems, and make informed decisions.
It's important to note that implicit memory can influence explicit memories, even if we are not consciously aware of it. For instance, the way we learn to ride a bike might unconsciously affect how we learn to drive a car, even though we are not consciously linking the two experiences.
Both explicit and implicit memory can be affected by various factors such as trauma, stress, and sleep deprivation. Understanding the difference between these two types of memory can help us better understand how our memories work and how they contribute to our daily lives.
[1] Wikipedia, Memory, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memory [3] Psychology Today, Implicit Memory, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/implicit-memory [4] Verywell Mind, Explicit Memory, https://www.verywellmind.com/explicit-memory-4773980 [5] NCBI, Implicit and Explicit Memory, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK20798/
- Focusing on health-and-wellness, understanding the role of explicit memory can aid in managing stress and preventing memory loss due to aging, as it involves conscious recall of specific information.
- In the realm of science, the study of implicit memory can provide insights for career development in education-and-self-development, as it shapes automatic skills and learned responses without the need for conscious effort.
- For personal-growth, being aware of the impact of implicit memory on explicit memories can lead to increased mental-health and self-awareness, as unconscious feelings or learned behaviors can sometimes influence our conscious thoughts and decisions.
- Engaging in learning activities that harness both explicit and implicit memory can facilitate overall development, as explicit memory allows for deliberate recall of facts and events, while implicit memory enables us to perform tasks smoothly and automatically.
