This includes both memories of events that happened in the past, as well as factual knowledge about the world.Įxplicit memory is often contrasted with implicit memory, which refers to memories that influence our behavior without us being aware of them.įor example, studies have shown that people are more likely to recognize words that were previously presented to them if those words are related to a positive emotional state. Explicit memoryĮxplicit memory refers to the conscious, intentional recall of information. Implicit memory allows you to perform the task without any effort automatically.Īdditionally, this type of memory is often responsible for things like “ muscle memory” and hunches.Īlthough it is not always accurate, implicit memory can help us to make quick decisions based on our past experiences. This type of memory can be accessed without any awareness of the event or information that was previously learned.įor example, if you have ever driven to work, you likely did not need to think about each step in the process consciously.

Instead, it is based on past experiences that have been automatically stored in the brain. Implicit memory is a type of memory that does not require conscious recollection. What’s the difference between implicit and explicit memory Implicit memory Implicit and explicit memories stored in the brain are classified as such according to the sorts of information they handle and maintain. Memory is a fluid and changing system that has been divided into two categories to make it simpler for students to study and comprehend.