AAMC FL Practice Exam

What does episodic memory refer to?

1. Memories of general knowledge and facts

2. Memories of learned skills and tasks

3. Memories of past personal experiences

4. Memories of environmental context

The correct answer is: Memories of past personal experiences

Episodic memory specifically relates to the recollection of past personal experiences, including the context in which those experiences occurred, such as the time and place. This type of memory allows individuals to recall autobiographical events and the emotions associated with those memories. It plays a crucial role in our ability to construct personal narratives and understand our life history. The other types of memory mentioned in the options highlight different aspects of memory function. General knowledge and facts fall under semantic memory, which is distinct from episodic memory as it involves information that is not tied to personal experiences. Memories of learned skills and tasks are categorized as procedural memory, which focuses on the ability to perform specific actions rather than recalling past events. Finally, while memories of environmental context may encompass aspects of episodic memory, they are more about the situational variables surrounding a memory than the memories of personal experiences themselves. Thus, the correct understanding of episodic memory is centered on the recollection of one’s own lived experiences.