Which type of memory involves information that is consciously known?

The correct choice pertains to declarative memory, which encompasses information that individuals can consciously recall and articulate. This type of memory is divided into two major subcategories: episodic memory, which relates to personal experiences and specific events, and semantic memory, which pertains to general knowledge and facts about the world.

Declarative memory is essential for tasks that require conscious thought and awareness, such as recalling a friend’s birthday or understanding a historical event. When people are asked to share information that they know and understand, they are typically drawing from their declarative memory.

In contrast, implicit memory refers to the unconscious retention of information, which occurs without direct conscious awareness, such as riding a bicycle or tying shoelaces—skills that are performed automatically. Procedural memory, a subset of implicit memory, specifically deals with the learning of motor skills and actions, not consciously recalled facts or events. Sensory memory, on the other hand, captures fleeting sensory information just long enough for it to be processed before it fades away, but it does not involve conscious awareness or long-term retention of information.