What is the main distinction between implicit and explicit memory?

The main distinction between implicit and explicit memory lies in how memories are recalled and the level of consciousness involved in that recall. Implicit memory refers to the type of memory that does not require conscious thought for retrieval; it is often related to skills and tasks that can be performed automatically or without awareness, such as riding a bicycle or typing on a keyboard. This type of memory is often developed through repeated practice and is accessed without the need for deliberate effort or conscious recollection.

On the other hand, explicit memory, which is not the chosen answer here, requires more conscious effort and awareness. It involves the active recall of facts and events, such as remembering a date or recalling the details of a past experience. Explicit memory is further divided into two categories: episodic memory (personal experiences) and semantic memory (general knowledge and facts).

Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the nature of implicit memory as inherently linked to unconscious recall of skills and tasks, capturing the essence of how this type of memory operates without conscious awareness.