What type of memory is used to recall facts and events?

The correct answer, which refers to explicit memory, emphasizes the role of consciously accessible information in recalling facts and events. Explicit memory is often divided into two subtypes: episodic memory, which pertains to personal experiences and specific events, and semantic memory, which relates to knowledge about facts and concepts. This type of memory is characterized by intentional retrieval and is essential for tasks that require you to articulate what you know, such as recalling historical dates, answering quiz questions, or recounting personal experiences.

The other choices represent different types of memory; implicit memory, for example, involves information that is not consciously recalled, such as skills and conditioned responses, and is typically demonstrated through performance rather than direct recollection. Procedural memory is a subset of implicit memory and specifically relates to motor skills and actions, like riding a bike or playing a musical instrument. Declarative memory, while it may seem similar to explicit memory, encompasses both episodic and semantic memory, but it is often used in a broader context that might apply to various ways we can access and express knowledge. Thus, while declarative memory is also relevant, the question specifically highlights the conscious retrieval aspect inherent in explicit memory.