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

3749 Views

See similar Psychology A Level tutors

Related Psychology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the Biological explanation for the development of OCD?


Evaluate the behaviourist approach to explaining behaviour. {6 marks}


What do I need to know about validity and how can I understand it?


How do I push my answers into the top mark band?


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