2.1.3 - Tulving

Question 1

AO1 x 4

Answer 1

• Tulving suggested that long term memory could be divided into two stores; episodic and semantic memory
• episodic memory is a mental diary which is autobiographical about things that relate to the individual, their events and experiences. It is linked to time and context so they get stored as they arrive
• semantic memory is for facts and meanings that are unrelated to the individual eg dates and numbers, it is needed for linking facts and concepts and is independent of a time reference
• semantic memory trace is more robust as it does not need cues to trigger recall whereas episodic is said to be forgotten due to retrieval cue failure

Question 2

AO3 x 2

strengths

Answer 2

• The classic study by Baddeley supports existence of semantic memory. Baddeley found that participants struggled with word lists linked by a common theme, which suggests the semantic similarity confused long term memory. Therefore this suggests at least part of the long term memory works semantically, supporting Tulving’s theory that semantic memory is a LTM store
• Supported by KC case study. After a motorcycle accident, KC suffered long term memory impairment to his episodic memory, resulting in an inability to form or recall many personal events in his life, however his recollection of factual memory remained intact. Therefore this supports the distinction between episodic and semantic memory stores and indicates possible regions of the brain where the different types of memory are stored

Question 3

AO3 x 2

Weaknesses

Answer 3

• Squire and Zola examined children with amnesia who had never acquired a semantic store and adults with amnesia who had semantic and episodic memories previously. The participants episodic and semantic memories seemed to be equally impaired. Therefore this suggests the 2 memory functions are linked or even the same thing, failing to support the theory that the two long term stores are separate and independent of each other
• HM and CW both suffered memory impairment to their episodic memory, but they were able to perform tasks like playing the piano and learning new skills. Suggesting a further long term store for remembering practised skills. Therefore this doesn’t support Tulving theory as it suggests a separate store in the long term memory for procedural memory which suggests the original theory was over simplistic