Psychologists often make distinctions among different types of memory. There are three
main distinctions:
- Implicit vs. explicit memory
- Declarative vs. procedural memory
- Semantic vs. episodic memory
Implicit vs. Explicit Memory
Sometimes information that unconsciously enters the memory affects thoughts and
behavior, even though the event and the memory of the event remain unknown. Such unconscious
retention of information is called implicit memory.
Example: Tina once visited Hotel California with her parents when she was ten years old.
She may not remember ever having been there, but when she makes a trip there later, she
knows exactly how to get to the swimming pool.
Explicit memory is conscious, intentional remembering of information.
Remembering a social security number involves explicit memory.
Declarative vs. Procedural Memory
Declarative memory is recall of factual information such as dates, words,
faces, events, and concepts. Remembering the capital of France, the rules for playing football,
and what happened in the last game of the World Series involves declarative memory. Declarative
memory is usually considered to be explicit because it involves conscious, intentional
remembering.
Procedural memory is recall of how to do things such as swimming or
driving a car. Procedural memory is usually considered implicit because people don’t have to
consciously remember how to perform actions or skills.
Semantic vs. Episodic Memory
Declarative memory is of two types: semantic and episodic. Semantic
memory is recall of general facts, while episodic memory is recall of
personal facts. Remembering the capital of France and the rules for playing football uses
semantic memory. Remembering what happened in the last game of the World Series uses episodic
memory.
