semantic

Meaning: Semantic refers to meaning. Semantic memory is the part of explicit (declarative) long-term memory that stores general facts, concepts, and word meanings, such as knowing Paris is the capital of France, without recalling when you learned it. It is thought to be organized in semantic networks, where related concepts are linked and activating one spreads activation to its neighbors. Semantic encoding means processing the meaning of information. In language, semantics is meaning, as opposed to syntax (grammar).

On the MCAT: Levels-of-processing experiments have participants judge words by appearance (structural), sound (phonemic), or meaning (semantic). Predict that semantic processing gives the best later recall. Priming questions are also common: seeing "doctor" speeds recognition of "nurse" more than "bread", which is explained by spreading activation in a semantic network. You may also be asked to classify a described memory as semantic or episodic.

Common confusion: Semantic and episodic memory are both explicit. Semantic memory holds general knowledge (what a violin is), while episodic memory holds personal events tied to a time and place (your recital last spring). Neither is procedural memory, which is implicit (riding a bike).