Explain two differences between procedural memory and episodic memory. (2017 AQA exam question)

The first difference is that procedural memory is our memory of an action, or skill. For example, how to ride a bike, drive a car, swim. Whereas episodic memory is the ability to recall specific events (episodes) from our lives. For example, we tend to remember each year of our lives distinctly to other years.
The second difference is that procedural memory does not require conscious effort to recall, whereas a conscious effort is need to recall episodic memories.

TL
Answered by Trafford L. Psychology tutor

3633 Views

See similar Psychology A Level tutors

Related Psychology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between an experiment in a within-subject design and in a between-subject design?


Evaluate the Strange Situation as a method for investigating types of attachment.


Discuss evolutionary explanations of eating behaviour (6 marks)


How can I critically evaluate a study?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning