Long-Term Memory

Long-term memory, or LTM, stores vast amounts of information for extended periods.

LTM is categorized into two types: explicit memory and implicit memory.

Explicit memory, or declarative memory, involves the conscious recollection of events and facts that can be verbally communicated, such as recalling events from a movie or identifying players in a football match.

Explicit memory is further divided into episodic and semantic memory.

Episodic memory retains details about personal experiences, such as the time, place, and events of life's episodes—for instance, the memory of the first day at college or the breakfast eaten this morning.

In contrast, semantic memory encompasses knowledge about the world, including expertise, general knowledge, and everyday facts. For example, it involves memorizing chess rules or knowledge about historical figures like the Dalai Lama.

Implicit or non-declarative memory includes memories of how to perform everyday tasks, like playing tennis or riding a bicycle, without consciously thinking about them.