7.10 : Implicit Memories

Implicit memories, also known as non-declarative memories, are long-term memories that function outside of conscious awareness. These memories influence behavior and skills without explicit knowledge. This type of memory is evident in tasks like playing tennis, snowboarding, and texting. Implicit memory has three subsystems: procedural memory, conditioning, and priming. This type of memory is essential in various activities, from everyday tasks to specialized skills.

One key aspect of implicit memory is procedural memory, which stores information about how to perform different actions. An experienced typist, for example, does not need to think about the location of each key while typing; the nonconscious skill allows for fluent and accurate typing. Similarly, athletes such as tennis players and snowboarders rely on procedural memory to execute complex physical maneuvers without conscious thought. This kind of memory underlies many routine activities, such as brushing teeth, tying shoelaces, or cooking a favorite meal.

Another subsystem of implicit memory is conditioning, where an individual learns to associate two stimuli, leading to a similar response to both. This form of learning occurs without conscious awareness. An example of classical conditioning might be developing a preference for a classmate who always sits nearby during enjoyable classes. The positive feelings associated with the class are subconsciously linked to the presence of the classmate, resulting in an implicit liking for that person.

Priming is the third subsystem of implicit memory, which involves the activation of existing memories to enhance the ability to recall new information. Priming works by triggering memories related to the task at hand, making it easier and faster to process new information. For instance, reading a list of words related to a particular theme can make it easier to recognize or recall words associated with that theme later on. This activation happens nonconsciously, aiding in the improvement of performance on various cognitive tasks.