Which type of long-term memory is responsible for performing tasks without conscious awareness?

Procedural memory is a type of long-term memory that is responsible for storing information about how to perform tasks and skills, often referred to as "knowing how." This memory type is characterized by the ability to execute actions or behaviors without needing to consciously think about them. Skills like riding a bike, tying shoelaces, or playing a musical instrument fall under this category.

In contrast, episodic memory pertains to the recollection of specific events or experiences from one’s life, which requires conscious recall. Semantic memory involves the storage of facts and knowledge about the world, such as understanding the meaning of words and concepts, which also entails a degree of conscious thought. Working memory, on the other hand, is related to short-term memory that is actively used for reasoning and decision-making processes but does not involve the long-term storage of skills or tasks. Thus, procedural memory stands out as the only type that specifically enables the execution of learned tasks automatically and without conscious awareness.