Explicit Memory

Definition

ExplicitFolkways memoryare referssocial to the ability to consciously recall specific informationconventions or pastcustomary events.ways Itof involvesbehaving intentionalthat remembering,are suchconsidered asappropriate recallingin facts,a experiences,particular society or skillsculture. thatUnlike youlaws, havefolkways learned.are Thisnot typeformally ofenforced memorybut isare oftenwidely referred to as "declarative memory"followed because itthey canhelp bemaintain declaredsocial ororder expressedand inharmony. words.They shape how people interact with one another on a daily basis and reflect shared values and expectations within a group.

Example

Imagine youyou’re are preparing forat a historycoffee examshop andwhere tryingit’s customary to rememberqueue up rather than push past others. While there’s no law requiring you to do so, most people follow this unwritten rule because they expect others to behave the causessame way. If someone cuts in front of Worldyou Warwithout I.waiting Astheir turn, you reviewmight yourfeel notes,annoyed youor consciously recall the events leading up to the war, such as the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.confused. This conscious effort to retrieve information from your memory is an example of explicita memoryfolkway—norms inthat action.aren’t legally enforced but are socially expected and help make interactions smoother.

Why Itit Matters

ExplicitFolkways memorymatter because they contribute to social cohesion by creating shared expectations about how people should behave. They help individuals navigate everyday situations without conflict, making life more predictable and orderly. Folkways also reflect the values of a culture, giving insights into what is essentialconsidered fornormal learningor acceptable behavior. By understanding folkways, we can better adapt to different cultural contexts and functioningavoid effectivelymisunderstandings inthat dailymight life.arise Withoutfrom it,breaking wethese wouldunwritten struggle to remember important details like facts, dates, or even personal experiences. In academic settings, explicit memory helps students retain information needed for exams and assignments. Beyond school, it allows us to recall past events, make informed decisions, and solve problems based on prior knowledge. Understanding how explicit memory works can help improve learning strategies and enhance overall cognitive performance.rules.

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See Also

• dualsocial processingnorms
• implicitMores
memory
• social cohesion
• control theory
• Deviance