The Study of Memory: Implicit & Explicit Memories & Long Term Potentiation

Implicit memory is expressed by improved performance without conscious recall or recognition, while explicit memory refers to conscious memories that we are aware of.

Explicit memories would be when a person asks us our name, phone number or hair color, and we consciously remember it and tell it to them.

Fears and preferences that develop as a result of associations are implicit memories. An example would be if someone once had a severe allergic reaction to a certain food, then much later on when exposed to it, the person may instantly feel nausea and an aversion to it, without even realizing the cause of his feelings. Many times when a person types, it is implicit- they don't even think about what they're doing. Another implicit action would be while walking into, or out of, a room and automatically feeling for the light and closing it. Dreams are implicit.

The study of the anatomy of memory has come a long way over the years. Many more advances will be made in the next decade. Most memory processes occur in the hippocampus in the brain. Over time, we have learnt new teaching techniques that stimulate memory, such as writing. The more we know about built memory structures in the brain and how they're encoded, the better we'll be able to teach and learn. We already know some techniques. We know that the brain works better when it is given proper nutrition which helps memory, such as Omega-3 and Vitamin E.

Case studies have played a particularly important role in the study of memory. This is because one can compare results and see why they're different and how it plays out. These studies have helped people to learn, remember, and forget. Many case studies are needed in order to gain an accurate understanding of these findings.

There are both advantages and shortcomings of animal models of amnesia and memory loss. Monkey and rat models are useful. A shortcoming is that they can't tell us what they do or don't remember. An advantage is that humans are not being harmed. Another advantage is that animals are less likely to be faking or worried about peer pressure, the way humans are. Animals are not subjective like humans are.

long-term potentiation (LTP): Image Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:LTP_exemplar.jpg