In which type of memory are personal life events stored?

Episodic memory is the type of memory specifically responsible for storing personal life events and experiences. This includes the details of what happened, where it happened, and when it took place. It allows individuals to recall specific events from their past, including the context and emotions associated with those experiences. This form of memory plays a crucial role in creating a sense of personal history and identity.

In contrast, semantic memory focuses on general knowledge and facts that are not tied to personal experiences, like knowing that Paris is the capital of France. Procedural memory relates to skills and tasks, such as riding a bike or playing an instrument—knowledge that is often acquired through practice rather than recalled as a specific event. Emotional memory, while it may involve the emotions tied to personal experiences, does not encompass the broader context of events as episodic memory does. Thus, the ability to recall personal life events is a defining feature of episodic memory.