What type of memory is based on personal experiences and events?

Episodic memory is a type of declarative memory that pertains specifically to personal experiences and events in an individual's life. It allows a person to recall past experiences, including contextual details such as the time and place of the event, as well as associated emotions. This type of memory enables people to remember unique situations, such as a birthday party or a family vacation, making it a fundamental aspect of personal history and identity.

Unlike sensory memory, which involves the brief storage of sensory information, or procedural memory, which is related to the skills and tasks that are performed without conscious thought (like riding a bike), episodic memory is focused on specific experiences. Semantic memory, on the other hand, pertains to general knowledge and facts that are not tied to personal experiences. Thus, episodic memory stands out as the category directly linked to one's lived experiences and autobiographical narrative.