How do episodic and semantic memory differ in terms of stability?

The distinction between episodic and semantic memory regarding stability is grounded in how each type of memory is formed and retrieved. Episodic memory refers to the recollection of specific events or experiences, including context such as time and place. This type of memory is more susceptible to alteration because it is influenced by emotions, personal significance, and contextual details that can fade over time or become distorted through retrieval. Consequently, episodic memories can change or evolve with new experiences or information.

On the other hand, semantic memory pertains to facts, concepts, and knowledge that are more stable and less impacted by personal experience. Once information is encoded into semantic memory, it remains relatively constant and is not easily altered by new experiences or emotional states. It represents knowledge that is understood and shared across individuals rather than being tied to personal experience.

Therefore, it is accurate to state that episodic memory is changing due to its subjective and context-dependent nature, while semantic memory is stable, reflecting more enduring knowledge that remains relatively constant over time. This understanding reinforces the distinct roles that episodic and semantic memories play in our cognitive processes.