US High School Psychology Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes semantic memory?

1. A memory for specific personal experiences

2. A type of memory for skilled actions

3. A memory system for general world knowledge

4. A memory that cannot be verbalized

The correct answer is: A memory system for general world knowledge

Semantic memory refers to a type of long-term memory that is involved in the storage of general world knowledge, concepts, facts, and meanings that are not tied to personal experiences. It is distinct from episodic memory, which pertains to specific events or experiences that a person can recall, such as their last birthday party or a family vacation. Semantic memory encompasses knowledge about language, history, science, and general trivia, allowing individuals to understand and interpret the world around them. This system supports cognitive functions such as language comprehension and reasoning, making it critical for learning and general knowledge acquisition. The other types of memories mentioned, such as memories for specific personal experiences and those related to skilled actions, do not fall under the semantic memory category, as they relate to episodic memory and procedural memory, respectively. Additionally, the notion that semantic memory cannot be verbalized suggests a misunderstanding of the very nature of semantic knowledge, which is often expressed through language and communication. Thus, the description of semantic memory as a system for general world knowledge is accurate and encapsulates its primary function.