An explicit measure of memory involves situations in which the memory task involves a direct reference to a particular past event.
With the explicit measure of memory, the person is trying to remember consciously. They try to access information referred to in the memory task, such as a fill in the blank or multiple-choice question.
Recall is generating the appropriate information in response to the memory request made. Examples of recall include fill-in-the-blank questions, essay questions, or describing the details of a show you watched the night before. This is the least sensitive measure of memory, because the person may fail even if they have relevant information stored in memory.
The explicit measure of memory is a direct reference to past experiences of the person.
An implicit measure of memory is demonstrated when no direct mentioning of the experiences leads to a particular memory.
This measure of memory is unconscious and unintentional. Memories may be triggered by unconscious stimuli, which may be unintentional, and there are no explicit memory tasks triggering recall.
These memories may be recalled from emotional stimuli.
Cognitive learning is a part of the implicit measure of memory. Those who are given memory tasks without mentioning a past experience may be able to complete a task or test based off of previous skills attained.
An example of an implicit memory involving motor skills is riding a bike. Those tested are never asked to describe their previous experiences on learning how to ride a bike, but rather it is in an innate skill brought out by simply sitting on a bike.
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