Memory is the process of storing and retrieving information. In layman’s terms it is the cumulation of what we hear see and remember. The process of memory or remembering involves 3 stages – encoding the information received, storing it and retrieving it when required. The human mind encodes and stores information in different ways depending on the nature of information and its source. Based on this there are different types of memory.
Implicit and explicit memory
One has to work hard to remember certain things while others are easily retained and retrieved when required. When one has to work hard to retain some information, for example exam curriculum or an agenda or speech, this is called explicit memory. One explicitly summons the faculty of the mind to retain information. A conscious effort is made to remember the information. Explicit memory can be further classified into Episodic Memory and Semantic Memory.
Information which is retained subconsciously without making an explicit effort to do so is called implicit memory. Implicit memory is also called declarative memory. Retaining procedures for accomplishing tasks, performing routine actions like typing or cycling are all examples of implicit memory.
Declarative and Procedural
Declarative memory is the conscious retention of specific facts like “Who is the president of the United States” and “What is the square root of 81”. This is very specific information which one has to make a conscious effort to remember. Declarative memory generally answers the questions “What, Who, When and Where”.
Procedural memory is implicit in nature. It involves remembering sequences for performing “procedures”. This is an unconscious retention of how to perform a particular task like bathing, cycling or singing your favourite song. Procedural memory generally answers the question “How”.(Blink, 2008).
Semantic and Episodic Memory
Episodic memory is information retained with respect to certain specific events. Since the events are related to the life of the concerned individual, this type of memory involves emotions associated with the event. Examples of episodic memory are a trip which was greatly enjoyed, or a traumatic accident in which one was involved. In one instance the emotion involved is joy while in the other it is sorrow.
While Episodic memory concerns ones own life, semantic memory consists of external information about the world. The information may relate to others not connected with oneself. For example “who is the president of the country?” Such information is consciously retained for a specific purpose. Hence semantic memory is also called explicit memory.(Blink, 2008).
References
T.L. Brink (2008) Psychology: A Student Friendly Approach. "Unit 7: Memory." pp. 120 [1]
