What distinguishes declarative from procedural knowledge?

Declarative knowledge and procedural knowledge are two distinct types of knowledge that play different roles in understanding and performing tasks. Declarative knowledge refers to the understanding of facts and concepts that can be verbally communicated, such as knowing the capital of a country or understanding theoretical principles. In contrast, procedural knowledge involves the ability to perform tasks or skills—it encompasses knowing how to do something, such as riding a bicycle or playing an instrument.

The correct answer highlights that declarative knowledge is centered around facts and concepts, while procedural knowledge is focused on the execution of tasks. This distinction is important in cognitive psychology because it illustrates how information is stored and recalled in different ways, impacting learning processes and skill acquisition. Understanding this difference can help in structuring educational methods and cognitive interventions tailored to enhance both types of knowledge.

In relation to the other options, the nature of being automatically performed or being conscious or unconscious does not accurately capture the fundamental distinctions between these types of knowledge. The focus on learned skills versus facts does not align with the definitions, as procedural knowledge is specifically about skills and actions, while declarative knowledge covers a broader range of factual information.