US High School Psychology Practice Exam

Which of the following is subdivided into episodic and semantic memory?

1. Implicit memory

2. Short-term memory

3. Explicit memory

4. Procedural memory

The correct answer is: Explicit memory

The correct answer pertains to explicit memory, which is indeed subdivided into episodic and semantic memory. Explicit memory refers to memory that involves conscious thought and recall of information. Episodic memory deals with personal experiences and specific events in time, allowing individuals to remember details such as the time, place, and emotions associated with an event. It is effectively the memory of autobiographical events. Semantic memory, on the other hand, refers to facts and general knowledge about the world, such as definitions, concepts, and information that is not tied to any specific moment or event in one’s life. This distinction is significant in understanding how we store and retrieve different types of knowledge. Implicit memory refers to memories that influence our behavior without conscious awareness, such as skills or conditioned responses, and thus does not include episodic or semantic components. Short-term memory refers to the temporary storage of information and does not categorize memories based on their conscious recall. Procedural memory is a type of implicit memory that involves knowing how to perform tasks, such as riding a bicycle or playing an instrument, rather than recalling facts or experiences.