Question

What is the difference between implicit and explicit processing? Discuss implicit processing and the importance of it in our daily lives. How does it shape who we are and what we do? Do you think there should be laws designed to prevent abuses of implicit processing?

Explain your answers and provide evidence for your comments. While there is some opinion expected in your answer, I am looking for a demonstration of critical thinking, meaning you consider evidence from multiple sources and come to your own conclusions.

Answer 1

Long term memory is divided into explicit (or declarative) and implicit (or procedural) memory. Declarative memory is memory of facts and events and refers to those memories that can be consciously recalled. It is sometimes called explicit memory, since it consists of information that is explicitly stored and retrieved, although it is more properly a subset of explicit memory. Declarative memory can be further sub-divided into episodic memory and semantic memory. Episodic memory is evidences to events in our mind whereas semantic memory consists of information processed deeply on the basis of its true meaning. Implicit learning in fact takes place automatically at a very sub-conscious level. The way we behave is often a culmination of how we have been shaped by the environment. This means that environmental stimulation plays a huge role in determining how we view various situations. Implicit learning in everyday lives shapes our cognitive patterns (the way we think), values and belief systems. What we do therefore (our actions) are also related to how we implicit pick up information in our everyday life.