What do we call memories that are not formed with a clear context but rather through repetitive exposure?

Memories formed through repetitive exposure without a clear context are known as implicit memories. These types of memories are characterized by the ability to learn or remember information without conscious awareness or intentional recollection. This contrasts with explicit or declarative memories, which involve conscious thought and can be easily articulated.

Implicit memories often include skills, habits, and conditioned responses that we perform automatically, such as riding a bike or typing on a keyboard. These memories are typically developed through repetition and practice, leading to learning that occurs incidentally as opposed to being tied to a specific event or context.

Understanding this distinction helps clarify why implicit memories are emphasized in discussions about how certain types of learning occur outside of conscious awareness, making them unique compared to other memory types like procedural or declarative memories.