Which memory system is primarily involved in recalling facts and personal experiences?

The selection of long-term memory as the correct answer is based on its essential role in storing and retrieving factual information as well as personal experiences. Long-term memory is the system responsible for retaining information over extended periods, which can range from minutes to an entire lifetime. It encompasses various types of knowledge, including semantic memory (which covers facts and general knowledge) and episodic memory (which relates to personal experiences and specific events).

In contrast, short-term memory typically retains information for a brief duration, usually seconds to minutes, and is not intended for the storage of complex data like facts or life events. Working memory serves as a limited capacity system for temporarily holding and manipulating information, which is critical for tasks such as problem-solving and reasoning but does not encompass long-term storage. Visual memory specifically pertains to the storage of visual images, which does not capture the breadth of factual knowledge and life experiences included in the long-term memory system. These distinctions clarify why long-term memory is the most appropriate answer for recalling facts and personal experiences.