key term - Explicit memory

Definition

Explicit memory refers to the conscious, intentional recollection of previous experiences, facts, and information. It includes the ability to recall specific events, such as what you did yesterday or the capital of a country, and can be further categorized into episodic memory (personal experiences) and semantic memory (general knowledge). This type of memory is essential for learning and daily functioning, allowing individuals to retrieve and utilize stored information.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Explicit memory develops as children grow, with significant improvements during adolescence as cognitive abilities advance.
2. Unlike implicit memory, explicit memory relies on the hippocampus and other areas of the brain associated with conscious thought.
3. Explicit memories can be affected by factors such as stress, mood, and age, impacting a person's ability to recall information accurately.
4. Retrieving explicit memories often requires cues or prompts, which can help trigger the recollection of information.
5. Practice and repetition are essential for strengthening explicit memories, making them easier to access in the future.

Review Questions

• How do explicit memories differ from implicit memories in terms of retrieval and brain processes involved?
  • Explicit memories require conscious effort for retrieval, meaning individuals must actively think about the information to access it. In contrast, implicit memories are retrieved automatically without conscious awareness, often through performance in tasks. The brain regions involved in explicit memory retrieval include the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, while implicit memory relies on different areas, such as the basal ganglia and cerebellum.
• In what ways do episodic and semantic memories contribute to the formation of explicit memory in adolescents?
  • Episodic and semantic memories play crucial roles in shaping explicit memory during adolescence. Episodic memories allow adolescents to recall personal experiences that contribute to their identity and understanding of past events. Semantic memories provide a framework of general knowledge that helps them make sense of new information. Together, these two types of explicit memory support cognitive development by allowing adolescents to integrate their experiences with broader knowledge.
• Evaluate the impact of stress on the formation and retrieval of explicit memories in adolescents compared to adults.
  • Stress can have a significant impact on both the formation and retrieval of explicit memories. In adolescents, high levels of stress can impair their ability to encode new information effectively, resulting in weaker memory formation. This effect may be more pronounced than in adults due to ongoing brain development during adolescence. Additionally, stress can hinder retrieval processes for explicit memories, leading to difficulties recalling previously learned information. Understanding these differences highlights the need for supportive environments that minimize stress during critical learning periods.

Related terms

implicit memory: A type of long-term memory that does not require conscious thought for recall, often demonstrated through skills and tasks.

episodic memory: A subtype of explicit memory that involves the recollection of specific events or experiences from one's own life.

semantic memory: A subtype of explicit memory that involves the storage and recall of factual information and general knowledge about the world.