PROCEDURAL MEMORY Meaning and
Definition
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Procedural memory refers to a type of long-term memory that is responsible for learning and remembering motor skills, habits, and procedures. It is also known as non-declarative or implicit memory because it is typically acquired and utilized unconsciously without conscious effort or awareness.
This type of memory allows individuals to perform routine and automatic tasks smoothly such as riding a bicycle, tying shoelaces, or playing a musical instrument, among others. Procedural memory involves the encoding, storage, and retrieval of procedural knowledge and skills, enabling individuals to perform them without consciously recalling specific instructions or steps.
The formation of procedural memory involves the basal ganglia, cerebellum, and motor cortex, which play crucial roles in motor coordination and control. Through repeated practice and experience, neural pathways and connections are strengthened, resulting in the acquisition and enhancement of motor skills.
Procedural memory is relatively resistant to forgetting and deterioration compared to other types of memory, such as episodic memory or semantic memory. This is because procedural memory is primarily subconscious and stored in separate brain regions, which are less susceptible to age-related cognitive decline or damage.
Overall, procedural memory is fundamental for the mastery and execution of motor skills and plays a significant role in everyday life. It allows individuals to perform tasks effortlessly, efficiently, and automatically, freeing up cognitive resources for more demanding cognitive processes.
Etymology of PROCEDURAL MEMORY
The term "procedural memory" has its origin in the field of psychology and cognitive science.
The word "procedural" comes from the Latin word "procedere", which means "to proceed" or "to go forward". In psychology, procedural memory refers to the type of long-term memory that involves the learning and recall of procedures, actions, or skills rather than conscious or declarative knowledge.
The term itself was first introduced by the cognitive psychologist Endel Tulving in the 1970s. Tulving proposed a distinction between declarative memory (which involves conscious recall of facts and events) and procedural memory (which involves the unconscious learning and performance of tasks or actions).
So, the etymology of the word "procedural memory" relates to the concept of memory associated with procedures or actions, and it was coined by the psychologist Endel Tulving.
