Distinguish between explicit and implicit memory. How is implicit memory studied in the laboratory? How does implicit memory research inform the continuing debate in psychology regarding the unconscious determinants of behavior? In your answer, make explicit reference to behaviors that may have important personal and social consequences
Distinguish between explicit and implicit memory. How is implicit memory studied in the laboratory? How does implicit memory research inform the continuing debate in psychology regarding the unconscious determinants of behavior? In your answer, make explicit reference to behaviors that may have important personal and social consequences.
Both implicit and explicit memory is a part of long-term memory and enables us to shape our ability in recollecting information and interact with our present environment.
Implicit memory is the unconscious or automatic memory, which does not require explicit and conscious recall of past events. It is enabled unconsciously by experiences to retain present information no matter how long ago those past experiences occurred. Implicit memory includes procedural memory, which helps us carry out everyday activities, mostly involving learning new motor skills.
Explicit memory which is also referred to as declarative memory, which needs a conscious and intention recall from the long-term memory. It can be further divided into – semantic memory and episodic memory. Semantic memory involves general knowledge and facts. Episodic memory, however, includes a specific experience with someone.
The differences between implicit and explicit memory are:
| Implicit memory | explicit memory |
| 1. Operates automatically and unconsciously from long-term memory. | 1. Requires conscious awareness and conscious recall from long-term memory. |
| 2. Involves learning and mastering a task. | 2. Formed through repetition and deliberate rehearsal. |
| 3. The result elicits or evokes similar responses to similar stimuli. | 3. Encoded and tied to emotions. |
| 4. It relies on cues from the environment to evoke a response. | 4. Brought to conscious awareness through associations. |
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