How we change what others think, feel, believe and do

Explicit Memory

Explanations > Memory > Explicit Memory

Description | Discussion | So what?

Description

Explicit memory is that used when we are deliberately and consciously trying to remember something.

For example we use explicit memory when trying to remember a person's name who we have just met, product information when buying, or what time the movie is showing tonight.

Discussion

Much memory is like this as we have to think in order to remember.

Explicit memory is the 'opposite' of implicit memory, which we use when things unconsciously drive other thoughts and actions. In this way, any memory can be classified as explicit or implicit depending whether or not it requires effort to bring it to mind.

Declarative memory, where you recall something in order to explain it, is a form of explicit memory.

Explicit memory includes episodic memory, where you remember a sequence of events, and semantic memory, where you remember facts, ideas and other knowledge.

So what?

Sometimes it is helpful for explicit memory to be used in persuasion as you want people to consciously think about something rather than just use unconscious thought. A way this can be used is to make a show of remembering, making the remembered item more important and hence putting specific emphasis on it.

See also

Implicit Memory