What is non-declarative memory, and what types of non-declarative memory exist? Read this article by Dominique de Quervain.

Non-declarative memory (also known as implicit memory) refers to unconscious, long-term forms of memory, whereby information is learned and retrieved without conscious effort. However, it should be noted that non-declarative memory may be accompanied by conscious awareness (e.g., you may be aware of driving a car), but retrieving the memory needed to drive the car does not require conscious effort. Non-declarative forms of memory do not depend on the hippocampus and were found intact in patient H.M.

There are several types of non-declarative memory:

• Procedural memory: motor and cognitive skills, such as riding a bike or driving a car.
• Priming: a memory of a stimulus that influences the response of a subsequent stimulus. For example, the phenomenon of being able to name objects more quickly once you have already seen the objects.
• Classical conditioning: an associative memory responsible for the phenomenon where a previously neutral stimulus becomes salient after being paired with a biologically salient stimulus.
• Habituation: non-associative memory responsible for the phenomenon where the response to a stimulus decreases after presenting the stimulus repeatedly or for prolonged periods.
• Sensitization: non-associative memory responsible for the phenomenon where the response to a stimulus increases after applying an aversive stimulus.

Learn more about these types of non-declarative memory by reading the book chapter recommended below.

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References

Cognitive Neuroscience: The Biology of the Mind; 5th Edition. Michael Gazzaniga, Richard B. Ivry, George R. Mangun; Page 390 (“non-declarative memory”) - 395 (end).

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