Elvira knew the name of the first president of the United States without giving it a moment's thought. This is

• A. nondeclarative (implicit) memory.
• B. semantic memory.
• C. episodic memory.
• D. a retrieval cue.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the type of memory being described: Elvira knows the name of the first president of the United States without conscious effort.
2. Understand the concept of nondeclarative (implicit) memory: This type of memory involves skills and tasks that can be performed without conscious awareness, such as riding a bike or typing on a keyboard.
3. Recognize the concept of semantic memory: This is a type of declarative memory that involves facts and general knowledge about the world, such as knowing historical facts or the meaning of words.
4. Differentiate between episodic memory and semantic memory: Episodic memory involves personal experiences and specific events in time, while semantic memory involves general knowledge not tied to personal experience.
5. Consider the role of a retrieval cue: A retrieval cue is a stimulus that helps bring a memory to consciousness, but in this scenario, Elvira did not need a cue to recall the information.