The Structure of Semantic Memory (Tulving)

Semantic memory, according to Tulving, is a part of our long-term memory that stores our general knowledge about the world—facts, concepts, and meanings—independent of personal experiences. Think of it as an organized mental encyclopedia that allows us to recognize objects, understand language, and recall facts. Its structure is like a network, with interconnected nodes representing related concepts, allowing information to be efficiently stored and retrieved. This organization helps us make sense of new information by connecting it to what we already know, enabling comprehension and informed decision-making.