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Episodic Memory - GCSE Psychology Definition

Reviewed by: Raj Bonsor

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Episodic memory is a type of long-term memory that helps you remember personal experiences and specific events from your life.

Imagine it like a mental diary that records where you were, who you were with, and what you were doing at a particular time. For example, recalling your last birthday party or a fun day out with friends involves using your episodic memory. This kind of memory is important because it helps you build a sense of personal history and understand time in terms of past, present, and future.

It is different from other types of memory, like remembering how to ride a bike or knowing facts about the world, because episodic memory is all about personal experiences and moments.

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Raj Bonsor

Reviewer: Raj Bonsor

Expertise: Psychology & Sociology Content Creator

Raj joined Save My Exams in 2024 as a Senior Content Creator for Psychology & Sociology. Prior to this, she spent fifteen years in the classroom, teaching hundreds of GCSE and A Level students. She has experience as Subject Leader for Psychology and Sociology, and her favourite topics to teach are research methods (especially inferential statistics!) and attachment. She has also successfully taught a number of Level 3 subjects, including criminology, health & social care, and citizenship.

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