Explicit Memory
Explicit memory involves conscious, intentional recall of information, including personal experiences (episodic) and factual knowledge (semantic).
THE IDEA
Explicit Memory
Explicit memory involves intentionally recalling information or past experiences, including their details. This is the memory you have when you smell apple pie, and you think of your grandmother’s house at Thanksgiving time. There are two different types of explicit memory. One is episodic, which is your memory of your name, childhood, and family relationships. The other is semantic memory, which is random knowledge, like the capital of Kentucky, is Frankfort. Recalling two or more senses associated with a memory can make it easier to retrieve.
When to use it
Studying for an exam by connecting facts to personal experiences to enhance semantic memory.
Recalling a recipe by associating it with a smell or visual image.
Using mnemonic devices to create vivid, multi-sensory associations for lists or formulas.
Reflecting on past events to learn from experiences and improve decision-making.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Apple Pie and Grandmother
Smelling apple pie triggers a vivid recollection of your grandmother's house at Thanksgiving, involving multiple senses (smell, taste, sight, emotion).
Capital of Kentucky
Recalling that Frankfort is the capital of Kentucky is an example of semantic memory, a type of explicit memory for facts.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Think of a vivid memory from your childhood. Which senses are involved in recalling it?
What is the difference between remembering a fact (e.g., a historical date) and remembering an event (e.g., your last birthday party)?
How can you use multiple senses to improve your recall of study material?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Thinking in Systems and Mental Models Think Like a Super Thinker (Dawson, Marcus P)