Implicit and explicit memory models

In describing phenomena associated with memory, people typically rely on an implicit or intuitive theory that assumes the mind is like a space in which memories are stored, just as objects are stored in physical space. Utilization of information is often described as a search process through the space. The argument is briefly presented that almost all explicit memory theories embody the same assumptions of spatial storage and search as those in our implicit theory. Possible reasons for this state of affairs are examined and some alternative nonspatial approaches, as yet not very popUlar, are presented.