Which type of memory involves long-term recall of specific episodes or experiences in life?

Episodic memory is the type of memory that specifically involves the long-term recall of personal experiences and specific events from one’s life, including contextual details such as time and place. This form of memory allows individuals to remember experiences such as their first day at school or a family vacation, making it unique to personal history and specific past occurrences.

In contrast, procedural memory refers to the memory of how to perform certain tasks or skills, such as riding a bike or playing an instrument, which does not involve recollecting specific personal experiences. Declarative memory is a broader category that includes both episodic and semantic memory; while it encompasses memories that can be consciously recalled, it is not specific to personal events. Lastly, semantic memory involves the recall of general knowledge and facts about the world, such as historical dates or vocabulary definitions, rather than personal episodes. Thus, episodic memory distinctly captures the essence of recalling specific life experiences.