What distinguishes declarative memory from procedural memory?

The distinction between declarative memory and procedural memory lies primarily in how the information is encoded, stored, and retrieved. Declarative memory refers to memories that can be consciously recalled and verbally expressed. This type of memory includes facts and events, often described as "knowing what." For example, being able to tell someone the capital of a country, or recounting a personal experience, are both examples of declarative memory in action.

On the other hand, procedural memory is involved in the acquisition and execution of skills and actions, often referred to as "knowing how." This type of memory operates largely unconsciously and is difficult to articulate. Skills such as riding a bicycle or playing a musical instrument fall under procedural memory because they involve performance rather than conscious recollection.

Understanding this differentiation highlights how different types of memory function within our cognitive processing. The primary contrast is that declarative memory is explicitly verbalizable, whereas procedural memory is typically demonstrated through performance rather than described in words.