Common knowledge is
knowledge that is known by everyone or nearly everyone, usually with reference to the
community in which the term is used. Common knowledge need not concern one specific subject, e.g.,
science or
history. Rather, common knowledge can be about a broad range of subjects, such as science, literature, history, and entertainment. Often, common knowledge does not need to be
cited. Common knowledge is distinct from
general knowledge. The latter has been defined by differential psychologists as referring to "culturally valued knowledge communicated by a range of non-specialist media", and is considered an aspect of ability related to intelligence. Therefore there are substantial individual differences in general knowledge as opposed to common knowledge.