procedural memory

What is procedural memory?

Procedural memory is a type of long term memory that involves the unconscious and automatic learning and recall of skills and procedures.
It is sometimes referred to as muscle memory because it most frequently involves physical movements and actions.
This type of memory is responsible for our ability to ride a bike, drive a car, play a musical instrument, type on a keyboard, or even tie our shoelaces.
Unlike other forms of memory, such as episodic or semantic memory, procedural memory is not tied to specific events or facts. Instead, it is focused on the acquisition and retention of motor skills and habits. It relies on different brain regions than other types of memory, particularly the basal ganglia and cerebellum.

How are procedural memories formed?

Procedural memories are typically formed through a process called "chunking," where complex actions are broken down into smaller units or steps. These chunks are then stored in memory as sequences that can be accessed and executed automatically when needed.

How to use procedural memory

If we do things the same way every time then we can engage those neural pathways that promote procedural memory. These activities can then becomes proper skills, refined and improved every time we do them.

As with so many things, We learn by doing .