Episodic memory

Declarative memory, also known as explicit memory, is a memory that consists of facts and events that can be consciously recalled. Explicit memory is a type of long-term memory, where we can remember a billion bits of information (Wede 2019). There are two kinds of explicit memory: semantic and episodic. Semantic memory consists of knowledge we have, like facts and math. I particularly want to focus on episodic memory, which represents personal experiences and specific events that we can recall. Explicit memory is processed in the hippocampus. When remembering an experience from our episodic memory, it often feels like we are mentally time traveling back to the past. It seems like we can recall every little detail that happened. This could often be because those vivid memories were associated with strong emotions, possibly even negative ones. For example, in class, we were asked what was the oldest memory we could remember and how old we were during that event. The majority of the class said 3-4 years. The earliest age of conscious memory is around 3½ years (Bauer 2002). Any age younger than 3 we can recall is typically a memory of a traumatic experience. One of the earliest memories I can recall is around the age of 3 when I was stuck in a store’s dressing room. I remember I got out of the individual dressing room but finding the exit out of the room felt like a maze. My mom said she would wait right outside for me but I could not find the exit. I broke down crying and just started screaming for my mom. Losing your mom as a child is probably one of the worst feelings. When I called for her, I eventually found my way out and got to her. However, I can recollect every detail like a photograph even though this memory happened to me so long ago. I especially was able to remember this so easily since I was so frightened in that moment.