What is the difference between episodic memory and semantic memory?

Episodic memory is specifically tied to personal experiences and events that an individual can recall along with contextual details, such as when and where they happened. This type of memory allows a person to relive past experiences, complete with the emotions and sensory details associated with those moments. For instance, remembering your first day at school or a family vacation would fall under episodic memory.

On the other hand, semantic memory pertains to general knowledge and facts about the world that are not tied to personal experiences. This type of memory includes information such as definitions, historical dates, and concepts, like knowing that Paris is the capital of France or that a zebra has stripes. This knowledge is objective and socially shared rather than personal.

The distinction lies in the nature of the memory: episodic is personal and experiential, while semantic is factual and contextual. Thus, the correct answer captures these fundamental differences between the two types of memory.