What type of memory involves the recollection of specific events and their contextual details?

The recollection of specific events along with their contextual details is characteristic of episodic memory. This type of memory is a subcategory of long-term memory that allows individuals to remember personal experiences, including the time and place of the event, as well as the emotions and sensations that accompanied it. For instance, being able to vividly recall a family vacation or a significant life event with specific details exemplifies episodic memory.

In contrast, semantic memory refers to the storage of general knowledge and facts about the world that are not tied to personal experience, such as knowing the capital of France or understanding the concept of gravity. Procedural memory involves the skills and actions we perform automatically, like riding a bike or playing a musical instrument, which do not rely on conscious recollection of events. Sensory memory captures fleeting impressions from our senses but does not provide the detailed context necessary for recollecting specific events. This highlights why episodic memory is the correct answer regarding the specified type of recollection.