Final answer:
The memory used to recall important dates such as mom's birthday is episodic memory, a type of explicit or declarative memory related to personal experiences. This form of memory is part of long-term memory and can be strengthened through mnemonic devices and deep, meaningful processing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of memory used to recall important dates such as your mom's birthday is known as episodic memory, which is a subtype of explicit memory or declarative memory. Episodic memory is part of the long-term memory responsible for storing information about events that we have personally experienced, essentially allowing us to travel back in time and remember the 'what,' 'where,' and 'when' of an event. In the case of remembering your mom's birthday, you recall not only the date but also the personal significance and past celebrations associated with it.
Another type of explicit memory is semantic memory, which involves the recall of facts and knowledge that don't have personal significance. For example, if you simply needed to remember the date of an important historical event like Independence Day, this would typically involve semantic memory.
Moreover, mnemonic devices are often used as a memory-enhancing strategy to help people remember important information. For instance, creating an acronym from the birthdays of all family members could serve as an effective technique to ensure this information transfers from short-term to long-term memory. The levels of processing theory suggests that the more deeply and meaningfully we process information (such as associating emotions or personal relevance with the date), the better we remember it.