EXPLICIT MEMORY Meaning and
Definition
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Explicit memory refers to a type of long-term memory that involves the conscious, intentional recollection and retrieval of information and experiences. It is also known as declarative memory because it involves the ability to declare or explain the previously learned information. This type of memory allows individuals to consciously recall and describe specific event details, factual information, or personal experiences.
Explicit memory can be further divided into two subcategories: episodic memory and semantic memory. Episodic memory refers to the memory of specific personal experiences, such as events, people, or places, and is associated with the ability to recall the time, location, emotions, and other contextual details of these events. On the other hand, semantic memory involves general knowledge, concepts, and facts like vocabulary, historical events, and mathematical formulas.
Explicit memory is heavily reliant on conscious awareness and effortful processing. It involves encoding, storing, and retrieving information through conscious effort, such as active learning, studying, and deliberate recall. This type of memory is typically assessed through various tasks, including recall, recognition, and direct questioning.
Explicit memory tends to decline with aging or neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, where individuals may experience difficulty in remembering recent events, facts, or even their own personal experiences. However, explicit memory can also be enhanced through mnemonic strategies, rehearsal, repetition, and organization of information, as well as other memory techniques and cognitive training.
Etymology of EXPLICIT MEMORY
The word "explicit" comes from the Latin word "explicitus", which means "unobstructed" or "clearly stated". This Latin term is derived from the verb "explicare", meaning "to unfold" or "to explain".
The word "memory" can be traced back to the Latin word "memoria", which refers to the ability to remember or recall information.
Therefore, the term "explicit memory" combines the Latin origin of "explicit" meaning clear or unobstructed, with the general meaning of "memory" to refer to consciously and intentionally recalled information.
