Types of Memory
Psychologists often make distinctions among
different types of memory. There are three main distinctions:
1. Implicit vs. explicit
memory
2. Declarative vs.
procedural memory
3. 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.
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