Explicit vs. Implicit Memory

Both explicit and implicit memory are types of long-term memory. Explicit memory consists of what you can consciously recall. This the stereotypic idea people hold of memory. Explicit memory can be further broken down into two distinct categories.

Implicit memories are used subconsciously and without deliberate recall after they are acquired. These processes run automatically but can be improved through practice and repetition. There are several subtypes including

• Procedural Memory- Riding a bike is a common example. This includes any physical processes that the body becomes accustom to doing automatically

• Priming- Priming is the phenomenon where one can more easily recall information after a similar item is presented. This process is built upon subconscious associations already formed in the mind. For example, a primer of dog could lead a subject to recall cat more easily because the two are associated as pets. 

• Conditioned Responses- The classic experiment of Pavlov's dogs makes use of implicit memory. Classical conditioning makes use of the automatic connection between a stimulus and an response.