Zara, a psychology major, just conducted a survey for class in which she asked students about their opinions regarding evolution. When Zara thinks back on this experience, which of the following statements is accurate?
A) Zara will be using her episodic memory only.
B) Zara will be using her semantic memory only.
C) Zara's ability to recall the factual details about the survey illustrates episodic memory, while her recollections of talking with the students illustrates semantic memory.
D) Zara's ability to recall the factual details about the survey illustrates semantic memory, while her recollections of talking with the students illustrates episodic memory.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Episodic memory refers to our ability to recall specific personal events in a particular time and place. Semantic memory, on the other hand, is our memory for facts and general knowledge about the world. In this scenario, Zara is recalling factual details about the survey, such as the questions she asked and the responses she received. This type of memory falls under semantic memory. Zara is also recalling her conversations with the students regarding their opinions on evolution. These conversations were unique events that occurred in a particular time and place, and as such, they fall under episodic memory. Therefore, Zara's ability to recall the factual details about the survey illustrates semantic memory, while her recollections of talking with the students illustrates episodic memory.

Zara, a Psychology Major, Just Conducted a Survey for Class