The neural basis of implicit learning and memory: A review of neuropsychological and neuroimaging research
Abstract
Memory systems research has typically described the different types of long-term memory in the brain as either declarative versus non-declarative or implicit versus explicit. These descriptions reflect the difference between declarative, conscious, and explicit memory that is dependent on the medial temporal lobe (MTL) memory system, and all other expressions of learning and memory. The other type of memory is generally defined by an absence: either the lack of dependence on the MTL memory system (nondeclarative) or the lack of conscious awareness of the information acquired (implicit). However, definition by absence is inherently underspecified and leaves open questions of how this type of memory operates, its neural basis, and how it differs from explicit, declarative memory. Drawing on a variety of studies of implicit learning that have attempted to identify the neural correlates of implicit learning using functional neuroimaging and neuropsychology, a theory of implicit memory is presented that describes it as a form of general plasticity within processing networks that adaptively improve function via experience. Under this model, implicit memory will not appear as a single, coherent, alternative memory system but will instead be manifested as a principle of improvement from experience based on widespread mechanisms of cortical plasticity. The implications of this characterization for understanding the role of implicit learning in complex cognitive processes and the effec…
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Memory in the Age of AI Agents
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- Authors
- Reber, P. J.
- Affiliations
- Northwestern University (US)
- Corresponding author
- Reber, Paul J.
- ORCID
- Reber, Paul J.
- Venue
- Neuropsychologia
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2013-08
- Volume
- 51
- Issue
- 10
- Pages
- 2026-2042
- ISSN
- 0028-3932 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2027132854
- Cited by
- 296
- References
- 13
- Citations by year
- 2026: 12 · 2025: 21 · 2024: 20 · 2023: 18 · 2022: 28 · 2021: 27 · 2020: 26 · 2019: 28 · 2018: 28 · 2017: 21 · 2016: 18 · 2015: 28 · 2014: 15 · 2013: 4 · 2012: 1
- FWCI
- 11.84
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Neuropsychologia (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory and Neural Mechanisms
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory Processes and Influences
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Cognitive Functions and Memory
- Keywords
- implicit learning, implicit memory, declarative memory, medial temporal lobe, cortical plasticity, neural correlates, memory systems, neuropsychology, functional neuroimaging
- MeSH terms
- Brain, Brain Mapping, Humans, Learning, Memory, Neuropsychological Tests, Neuroimaging
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