procedural memory

(noun)

A type of long-term memory that guides the processes we perform; most frequently resides below the level of conscious awareness; also known as unconscious or implicit memory.

Related Terms

  • semantic memory
  • declarative memory

Examples of procedural memory in the following topics:

  • Detail on Types of Long-Term Memory

    • Long-term memory consists of conscious explicit (declarative) and unconscious implicit (procedural) memory; both can be stored indefinitely.
    • Episodic memory, on the other hand, is used for more contextualized memories.
    • Semantic and episodic memory are closely related; memory for facts can be enhanced with episodic memories associated with the fact, and vice versa.
    • In contrast to explicit (conscious) memory, implicit memory involves procedures for completing actions.
    • Also known as unconscious or procedural memory, these actions develop with practice over time.
  • Neural Correlates of Memory Consolidation

    • Memory consolidation is a category of processes that stabilize a memory trace after its initial acquisition.
    • The cerebellum plays a role in the learning of procedural memory (i.e., routine, "practiced" skills), and motor learning, such as skills requiring coordination and fine motor control.
    • Playing a musical instrument, driving a car, and riding a bike are examples of skills requiring procedural memory.
    • But a person with damage to their cerebellum would have the opposite problem: they would remember their declarative memories, but would have trouble with procedural memories like playing the piano.
    • The hippocampus is integral in consolidating memories from short-term to long-term memory.
  • Physical Development in Late Adulthood

    • The aging process often results in a loss of memory, deteriorated intellectual function, decreased mobility, and higher rates of disease.
    • In general, an older person's procedural memory stays the same, while working memory declines.
    • Procedural memory is memory for the performance of particular types of action; it guides the processes we perform and most frequently resides below the level of conscious awareness.
    • The reduced capacity of the working memory becomes evident when tasks are especially complex.
    • Semantic memory is the memory of understanding things, of the meaning of things and events, and other concept-based knowledge.
  • The Nature and Meaning of Dreams

    • In effect, the expectation is fulfilled (the action is "completed") in a metaphorical form so that a false memory is not created.
    • They are merely electrical brain impulses that pull random thoughts and imagery from our memories.
    • The hypothesis states that the function of sleep is to process, encode, and transfer data from short-term memory to long-term memory through a process called consolidation.
    • NREM sleep processes the conscious-related memory (declarative memory), and REM sleep processes the unconscious related memory (procedural memory).
    • The underlying assumption of continual-activation theory is that, during REM sleep, the unconscious part of the brain is busy processing procedural memory.
  • Long-Term Memory

    • Long-term memory is the final, semi-permanent stage of memory.
    • Long-term memory can be broken down into two categories: explicit and implicit memory.
    • Episodic memory is used for more contextualized memories.
    • In contrast to explicit (conscious) memory, implicit (also called "unconscious" or "procedural") memory involves procedures for completing actions.
    • Contrast the different ways memories can be stored in long-term memory
  • Amnesia

    • "Amnesia" is a general term for the inability to recall certain memories, or in some cases, the inability t0 form new memories.
    • Some types of amnesia are due to neurological trauma; but in other cases, the term "amnesia" is just used to describe normal memory loss, such as not remembering childhood memories.
    • Anterograde amnesia is the inability to create new memories after the onset of amnesia, while memories from before the event remain intact.
    • However, sufferers can be treated through education to define their daily routines: typically, procedural memories (motor skills and routines like tying shoes or playing an instrument) suffer less than declarative memories (facts and events).
    • He is completely unable to form lasting new memories—his memory only lasts for between 7 and 30 seconds— and also cannot recall aspects of his past memories, frequently believing that he has only recently awoken from a coma.
  • Introduction to the Process and Types of Memory

    • Two other types of sensory memory have been extensively studied: echoic memory (the auditory sensory store) and haptic memory (the tactile sensory store).
    • Short-term memory is also known as working memory.
    • However, items can be moved from short-term memory to long-term memory via processes like rehearsal.
    • In contrast to explicit/declarative memory, there is also a system for procedural/implicit memory.
    • Summarize which types of memory are necessary to which stage of the process of memory storage
  • Strategies for Improving Memory Quality and Duration

    • Memory gaps and errors refer to the incorrect recall or complete loss of a memory.
    • Because the memory process is so complex, there are many factors that lead to forgetfulness or distortions of memories.
    • By creating additional links between one memory and another, more familiar memory works as a cue for the new information being learned.
    • People are more likely to be able to retrieve a memory if they are in the same mood as they were when the memory was first formed.
    • Overlearning is a very powerful mnemonic for both procedural and semantic memories.
  • Sensory Memory

    • In sensory memory, no manipulation of the incoming information occurs as it is transferred quickly to working memory.
    • It is assumed that there is a subtype of sensory memory for each of the five major senses (touch, taste, sight, hearing, and smell); however, only three of these types have been extensively studied: echoic memory, iconic memory, and haptic memory.
    • Iconic memory has a duration of about 100 ms.
    • Echoic memory is the branch of sensory memory used by the auditory system.
    • Haptic memory is the branch of sensory memory used by the sense of touch.
  • Introduction to Memory Storage

    • Memory storage is achieved through the process of encoding, through either short- or long-term memory.
    • During the process of memory encoding, information is filtered and modified for storage in short-term memory.
    • Items stored in short-term memory move to long-term memory through rehearsal, processing, and use.
    • In order to explain the recall process, however, a memory model must identify how an encoded memory can reside in memory storage for a prolonged period of time until the memory is accessed again, during the recall process.
    • Note that all models use the terminology of short-term and long-term memory to explain memory storage.
Subjects
  • Accounting
  • Algebra
  • Art History
  • Biology
  • Business
  • Calculus
  • Chemistry
  • Communications
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Microbiology
  • Physics
  • Physiology
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Statistics
  • U.S. History
  • World History
  • Writing

Except where noted, content and user contributions on this site are licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 with attribution required.