What is the definition of implicit learning? How to measure it?

Welcome!

You have my heartfelt thanks.

Definition of Implicit Learning

Implicit learning is the process of acquiring complex information unconsciously, without awareness of what has been learned. It occurs through passive, incidental, and automatic acquisition, in contrast to explicit learning which involves conscious effort and memorization.

Measuring Implicit Learning

To measure implicit learning, researchers often use paradigms like the Serial Reaction Time (SRT) task. In this task, participants respond to stimuli following a complex sequence without being informed of its existence. Implicit learning is evidenced by faster response times as the sequence repeats, even though participants lack explicit knowledge of the sequence. Other measures include tests of transfer to structurally similar tasks and the robustness of learning under dual-task conditions.