What memory type involves skills or tasks that can be performed without conscious awareness?

Implicit memory is the correct choice as it refers to a type of memory that enables individuals to perform tasks or skills without the need for conscious awareness. This type of memory is often demonstrated through skills such as riding a bike or playing a musical instrument, which can be executed without actively thinking about the specific steps involved. It operates below the level of consciousness, allowing individuals to perform learned tasks automatically.

In contrast, episodic memory pertains to the retrieval of specific events or experiences from one's past and requires conscious thought. Declarative memory includes memories that can be consciously recalled, such as facts and information, which is distinct from the automatic nature of implicit memory. Semantic memory, a subtype of declarative memory, encompasses general knowledge and facts about the world, again requiring conscious awareness in its retrieval. Understanding these distinctions highlights why implicit memory is the foundational concept when discussing skills or tasks performed unconsciously.