The Differences Between Implicit And Explicit Memory

Memory is one of the most important cognitive functions our brains perform, helping us interpret the world, make decisions, and communicate with others. There are many ways to categorize memory, including by separating short-term and long-term memory, the latter of which can be further divided into implicit and explicit memory. Implicit memory refers to the unconscious retrieval and utilization of information, while explicit memory refers to the purposeful recall of knowledge. Below, we’re going to discuss these two forms of memory, their differences, and how we use them in our daily lives. 

The two forms of long-term memory: Implicit and explicit

There are two main sub-categories of long-term memory, called implicit memory and explicit memory. Implicit and explicit memory differ in what types of information they recall, how memories are developed and retrieved, and what parts of the brain are involved. They also differ in which memory disorders affect them and how doctors will test for those memory disorders.

Implicit memory

Implicit memory, also called automatic memory or unconscious memory, can be described as the automatic retrieval and utilization of knowledge. Things that are in implicit memory aren’t typically consciously recalled – they simply come to you. Examples of implicit memory include skills such as driving or playing a musical instrument. It is also responsible for many of the skills and habits that we use every day such as flossing our teeth or brushing our hair.

There are three subsets of implicit memory: procedural memory, conditioning, and priming. Procedural memories typically involve the things you learn as you grow, such as walking, holding a fork, riding a bike, and completing other processes that we don't have to think about consciously.

Conditioning occurs when a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a specific response. For example, if you smell burning, you’ll likely make an unconscious association with fire.

Priming is the act of associating a picture, word, or other stimuli with something else, which assists in pattern recognition, association, and reward systems. An example would be to think of green to remember grass, or red to remember apple.

Implicit memory relies on various areas of the brain, depending on what memories are involved. The main regions of the brain that are associated with implicit memory are the cerebellum, the basal ganglia, and the motor cortex. The cerebellum is associated with the timing and performance of fine motor movements (e.g., using a fork, writing with a pen), while the basal ganglia are primarily responsible for knowing how to perform gross motor functions (e.g., walking, jumping). The motor cortex—the area of the brain that allows you to perform motor functions automatically—is responsible for procedural memory.

Implicit memory uses a different part of the brain than explicit memory. So, you might find that you can do some tasks without conscious thought and, when you try to do them consciously, you struggle with them. This may be evident when you try to give directions; it may be easy enough to drive to a place you visit often, but it could be very difficult to provide someone else with directions.

Implicit memory development

Implicit memory is primarily developed through repetition. When you are first learning how to do something, you use the temporal lobe and the hippocampus to actively recall how to do it. Over time, and with repetition, those skills become automatic. For example, when a toddler is learning how to walk, they are walking using their explicit memory. They are taking those first steps very deliberately and probably slowly while they develop a new skill. Soon, however, implicit memory takes hold, and they can walk without conscious remembering.

As implicit memories develop, they become a part of our long term memory system. These automatic processes are stored in different brain areas, such as the prefrontal cortex and the basal ganglia, which play a crucial role in working memory and the execution of learned tasks. This development allows us to perform complex tasks without using our declarative memory, which encompasses episodic memory and semantic memory, and focuses on general knowledge and experiential memories that require conscious effort to recall.

Implicit memory disorders

Though most medical disorders do not affect implicit memory, severe stroke and traumatic brain injury can affect it by damaging the cerebral cortex. Additionally, people with severe or late-stage Alzheimer's disease sometimes lose implicit memory as the disorder progresses, typically after explicit memory is no longer available. Eventually, they may forget how to walk, hold a fork, or even swallow food. Testing implicit memory involves assessing a person's ability to perform simple tasks, such as tying their shoes or brushing their teeth. People with intact implicit memory can usually complete these tasks without conscious effort, whereas those with impaired implicit memory may struggle and forget how to do them.

Explicit memory

The definition of explicit memory is simpler than that of implicit memory. Explicit memory is the type of long-term memory that applies to experiences and facts. Recollection of previous events or knowledge gained over time, but not used on a regular basis, is part of explicit memory. It may also be referred to as declarative memory because you must consciously recall and declare the information, involving conscious remembering.

There are two main subsets of explicit memory: semantic memory and episodic memory. Semantic memory is knowledge that is not tied to events you experience. For example, if you can recall the names and dates associated with the US Civil War, but not the time or place you learned this information, you are using your semantic memory.

Episodic memory, often called autobiographical memory, is a recollection of events. Since it is personal and can define the life of the individual, some episodic memories are stored for a long period. Often, however, they only last a short amount of time, particularly when they don’t hold much importance (e.g., a specific passage in a book you read). This distinction highlights the difference between implicit vs explicit memory within the realm of human memory.

The main areas of the brain that are responsible for explicit memory are the hippocampus, the prefrontal cortex, the anterior thalamus, and the amygdala. These regions play a crucial role in the way explicit memory involves the conscious recollection of facts and experiences.

Explicit memory development

Unlike most cases of implicit memory, explicit memory can be developed based on a singular exposure or experience. Examples of explicit memory could be when you learn facts for school or work, recall an appointment time, or remember an important life event. While the frequent recollection of these explicit memories can help preserve them, it is not necessarily required for the declarative memory to work.

Due to their nature, explicit memories can be fallible. You may only remember certain pieces of information for a bit in your short-term memory (e.g., memorizing specific school subjects long enough to take a test). If this information is not reviewed or recalled, details can be forgotten or misremembered. This can also be true of autobiographical memory. You may easily remember an event but forget certain specific details, such as the lyrics of a familiar song. Understanding the relationship between implicit and explicit memory can provide a clearer perspective on how memory functions in different situations.

Explicit memory disorders

Explicit memory is the primary type of memory to be affected in cases of amnesia, which is commonly caused by traumatic brain injuries. Milder forms of memory loss due to brain injury or stroke are also common.

Alzheimer's disease can also be responsible for the loss of explicit memory. In people who live with Alzheimer's, the temporal lobe—and specifically the hippocampus—is often the first part of the brain to be affected. For this reason, individuals with the disorder tend to begin to forget past events, people, and other information that they have learned throughout their lives.

Explicit memory tests

Some tests of explicit memory involve evaluating individuals on their ability to recall pieces of their past. They may be asked to remember their birthday or the birthday of their child. They may be asked where or when they were married, or when their spouse passed away. Often, explicit memory tests are given with the assistance of a loved one, who may fill out a questionnaire indicating the correct answers so that the administrator can compare the responses. Other tests of explicit memory evaluate the individual’s ability to answer general knowledge questions related to history, geography, or important dates. 

When to seek treatment

If you or your loved one is experiencing a loss of memory, consider speaking with a medical or mental health professional who can properly evaluate the symptoms. A professional can determine the cause of the memory impairment, work on explicit memory work if needed, and develop a treatment plan for any underlying disorder while referring you to other health professionals. Understanding the difference between automatic memories and conscious recall can be crucial in addressing memory-related issues effectively.

Online therapy with BetterHelp

If you’re experiencing complicated emotions related to memory loss or similar life challenges, consider reaching out to a licensed therapist online. With online therapy through BetterHelp, you can contact your therapist outside of sessions, without having to worry about remembering a question or comment you have regarding treatment. Just send them a message and they will respond when they’re able. BetterHelp has thousands of qualified mental health professionals who have a wide range of specialties so you can choose to work with someone who can address your specific concerns. With the right help, you can address mental health concerns that stem from memory impairment or other difficult changes in life.

Research shows that online therapy can address emotional and behavioral concerns that may arise out of memory impairment. In one study, researchers found that individuals who participated in online cognitive treatment for memory loss could improve both their memory and mood. These results can be added to those of numerous other studies showing that online therapy can effectively address a variety of mental health-related concerns.