Episodic Memory - Nine Properties of Episodic Memory

Nine Properties of Episodic Memory

There are essentially nine properties of episodic memory which collectively, distinguish it from other types of memory. It is possible for other types of memory to exhibit a few of these properties, however, episodic memory is unique in that it is the only type of memory which takes into account all nine of these properties:

• 1. Contain summary records of sensory-perceptual-conceptual-affective processing.
• 2. Retain patterns of activation/inhibition over long periods.
• 3. Often represented in the form of (visual) images.
• 4. They always have a perspective (field or observer).
• 5. Represent short time slices of experience.
• 6. They are represented on a temporal dimension roughly in order of occurrence.
• 7. They are subject to rapid forgetting.
• 8. They make autobiographical remembering specific.
• 9. They are recollectively experienced when accessed.