Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

Which type of memory involves changes in behavior due to past experiences without conscious awareness?

1. Implicit memory

2. Collective memory

3. Autobiographical memory

4. Explicit memory

The correct answer is: Implicit memory

Implicit memory refers to the type of memory that enables individuals to demonstrate knowledge and skills without being consciously aware of that information. This form of memory typically involves learned habits, skills, and procedures, such as riding a bike or playing a musical instrument, which can be performed automatically. The presence of implicit memory is often observed in behavioral changes resulting from past experiences, even when one is not consciously recalling those experiences. This makes it distinct from explicit memory, where individuals actively recall facts and events with conscious effort. In contrast, collective memory relates to memories shared among a group, often shaped by cultural or societal influences. Autobiographical memory involves the recollection of personal experiences and specific events from an individual's life, typically requiring conscious thought to retrieve. Explicit memory, on the other hand, entails the conscious retention of information that can be verbally expressed, like facts or specific details about past experiences. The key distinction here lies in the lack of conscious awareness associated with implicit memory versus the conscious nature of explicit memory and the others listed.