Implicit memory is a type of long-term memory that influences our thoughts and behaviors without conscious awareness. It involves skills and tasks that we perform automatically, such as riding a bicycle or typing on a keyboard. This form of memory is often acquired through repetition and practice, allowing us to perform actions without actively thinking about them.
Unlike explicit memory, which requires conscious effort to recall facts or events, implicit memory operates in the background. It is often linked to procedural memory, which includes learned skills, and can be demonstrated through performance rather than verbal recall. Examples include classical conditioning and priming, where exposure to one stimulus affects responses to another.