IMPLICIT MEMORY Meaning and
Definition
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Implicit memory refers to a type of long-term memory that is unconscious and automatic, incorporating the retrieval of information without conscious effort or awareness. It is a component of long-term memory that is responsible for storing and recalling information that has been previously learned or experienced without conscious intention. Implicit memory enables individuals to perform certain tasks or respond to stimuli, often without being aware of the previous exposure or learning that underlies their current behavior.
This type of memory is sometimes described as non-declarative or procedural memory, as it deals with the acquisition and use of skills, procedures, and habits. Implicit memory plays a crucial role in guiding everyday activities and behaviors, encompassing actions such as riding a bicycle, driving a car, or typing on a keyboard. These skills become so engrained over time that they can be performed effortlessly and automatically.
Implicit memory is typically contrasted with explicit memory, which involves the recall of consciously accessible information, such as facts, events, or personal experiences. While explicit memory relies on intentional retrieval and conscious awareness, implicit memory operates independently and occurs even when an individual is not deliberately attempting to remember something.
This form of memory is often observed in individuals with amnesia or brain damage, as they may exhibit intact performance on tasks requiring implicit memory despite severe impairment in explicit memory functions. Understanding implicit memory is crucial for comprehending human learning, behavior, and the impact of memory disorders on an individual's everyday functioning.
Etymology of IMPLICIT MEMORY
The term "implicit memory" is derived from two main sources: the Latin word "implicitus" and the English word "memory".
1. "Implicitus" (Latin): The word "implicitus" in Latin means "folded in, involved, entangled, or intricate". It stems from the verb "implere", which means "to fill up or to entangle". It implies something that is hidden, not explicit, or not easily observable. When applied to memory, it refers to knowledge or information that is stored and utilized without conscious awareness or deliberate effort.
2. "Memory" (English): The word "memory" in English comes from the Latin word "memoria", which denotes the faculty of retaining and recalling past experiences, events, or information.
