Episodic Memory

Episodic memory refers to a division of declarative memory responsible for storing and retrieving information about one's own personal experiences. Episodic memory is the theoretical component of the memory system that allows one to revisit and relive events that occurred within one's personal history. Once experienced, events such as one's first day of school, graduation day, and one's first kiss can each be called into consciousness and relived at a later time because of episodic memory.

Episodic memory is defined in a manner similar to another common memory system, autobiographical memory. Indeed, episodic memory and autobiographical memory are similar enough that some theorists have suggested that the two terms be treated as synonymous. However, this proposal has been met by some resistance from advocates of autobiographical ...