procedural memory

• Procedural memory is 'muscle memory'. We can recall these memories without consious awareness. Such as driving a car (e.g., knowing how to steer, accelerate, and brake).
• Once a skill is learned, procedural memory allows it to be performed automatically, freeing up attention for other tasks.
• Procedural memories are typically durable and resistant to forgetting. For example, even after years of not riding a bike, most people can get back on and ride without having to relearn.
• Unlike semantic or episodic memory, procedural memory doesn’t require conscious recollection so it is a non-declarative memory.
• Non-declarative memory does not involve conscious recollection but rather unconscious processes such as habit formation, motor learning, and conditioned responses.
• procedural memory involves our ability to learn and remember now to perform various motor skills and actions.
• procedural memory is often referred to as "muscle memory" and is essential for tasks such as riding a bike, typing on a keyboard, or playing a musical instrument.

  • Procedural memory is associated with the motor area which controls fine motor skills. It happens without conscious recall once it has become encoded into the long-term memory.