Explicit memory is also called declarative memory. It is one of the main types of human long-term memory. It is “the deliberate replication of ideas and beliefs, facts, life experiences, and other information.” This type of long-term memory depends upon acquiring, consolidating, and retrieving messages.
The knowledge that is stored in explicit memory is called declarative knowledge. Moreover, the distinction is made between declarative memory and explicit kind of memory. In this case, explicit memory relates to conscious memory, and declarative memory refers to memory that can be described in words.
Example of explicit memory
Examples of this memory are:
- Recalling phone numbers.
- Completing any competitive exam.
- Remembering to-do list.
- Birthday dates.
- Important event dates.
- Great personality names.
- Any specific location.
Types of explicit memory
It is divided into two categories:
- Episodic Memory
- Semantic Memory
Episodic Memory
Episodic memory stores personal experiences in human long-term memory. It consists of the recollection of observational information attached to specific life events. These memories can happen to the subject directly or be memories of events that happened around them. When most people think about memory, they think of episodic memory. Through episodic memory, one can retrieve different situational and contextual aspects from past events.
For instance, the memory of the first day at college or university. Another example of episodic memory is being notified that one got a dream job or is being terminated from one’s job, etc. One way to think about retrieving these episodic memories is as a mental recreation of the relevant past events in great detail.
Semantic memory
Episodic memory supports semantic memory. This type of explicit memory stores factual information, knowledge about facts, and ideas that can be articulated and are independent of personal experiences. This memory concerns the recollection of specific experiences and life events that people can relive at any time.
For example, semantic memory contains information about what a car is. However, episodic memory might contain a specific memory of buying or selling a vehicle. Humans can transfer the knowledge they have acquired from previous experiences into learning new concepts.
Explicit vs procedural memory
Implicit or procedural memory is a type of long-term memory involved in performing different actions and skills. Importantly, it deals with the memory of how to do certain things.
For example, riding a bike, roasting chicken, and baking cake without knowing a recipe are all examples of procedural/implicit memories.
Comparison of implicit and explicit memory
Known as procedural memory, Known as declarative memory
How to do certain things Relates to conscious memory
Involved in performing different actions and skills Dependent upon acquiring, consolidating, and retrieving messages.
Remember that the physical process of doing something like driving a car is an implicit memory. On the other hand, remembering the route/way you must take to go somewhere is an explicit memory.
How does explicit-type memory work?
When a person consciously tries to recall a specific event or piece of information, the things we intentionally try to recall or remember, such as a particular date or lesson, are all stored in explicit side. The person utilizes recalled information during everyday activities such as work or recipes.
How do we improve explicit memory?
Repetition and Practice are the best ways to improve implicit and explicit memory. In other words, the consolidation of explicit mem leads to its improvement, where repetition plays a critical role. I admit that constant training makes it easy to memorize, and an individual does not find it challenging to recall information or perform a task mechanically. So, to make routine tasks run more smoothly, existing repetition-induced motor memories enhance muscle memory. Both explicit and implicit sustaining performance and assimilation of skills entail this Practice.
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