Summary

Implicit memory refers to a change in task performance due to an earlier experience that is not consciously remembered. The topic of implicit memory has been studied from two quitedifferent perspectives for the past 20 years. On the onehand, researchers interested in memory have set out characterize thememory system (or systems) underlying implicit memory,and see how they relate to those underlying other forms ofmemory. The alternative framework has considered implicit memory asa by-product of perceptual, conceptual, or motor systems that learn. That is, on this view the systems that support implicit memory are heavily constrained by pressures other than memory per se. Both approacheshave yielded results that have been valuable in helping usto understand the nature of implicit memory, but studiedsomewhat in isolation and with little collaboration. Thisvolume is unique in explicitly contrasting these approaches, bringingtogether world class scientists from both camps in anattempt to forge a new approach to understanding one of themost exciting and important issues in psychology andneuroscience.Written for postgraduate students andresearchers in cognitive psychology and cognitiveneuroscience, this is a book that will have an importantinfluence on the direction that future research in thisfield takes.