Contemporary study - Schmolck et al. (2002) Flashcards
BACKGROUND:
Previous research assumed that…
the medial temporal lobe has a part to play in semantic memories and the hippocampus is more responsible for episodic memories
BACKGROUND:
Schmolck’s study investigates…
those with amnesia in order to determine which parts of the brain are mostly responsible for semantic memories
BACKGROUND:
What is anterograde amnesia?
loss of the ability to create new memories after the event that caused the amnesia (memories from before the amnesia stay in tact)
BACKGROUND:
What is retrograde amnesia?
inability to recall events that occurred before the development of the amnesia
BACKGROUND:
What are semantic tests?
testing semantic (factual) knowledge
BACKGROUND:
What is brain scanning?
producing images of the brain
BACKGROUND:
What is bilateral?
both sides of the brain (both left and right hemispheres)
BACKGROUND:
What is anterolateral?
to the front and side of the brain
BACKGROUND:
What is lateral?
the side of the brain
BACKGROUND:
What is medial?
middle of the brain
AIMS
- To investigate the effects of brain damage on semantic memory
- To test the relationship between semantic test scores and temporal lobe damage
- To determine if HM was unique in the way his brain damage affected his memory
METHOD:
Research method
lab experiment, MRI and CT brain scanning
METHOD:
Participant design
matched pairs
METHOD:
Sampling method
opportunity
METHOD:
Independent variable
type of brain damage
METHOD:
Dependent variable
number of correct responses (semantic memory)
METHOD:
Sample
6 Ps with amnesia and various brain damage
> 2 patients with damage to only the hippocampus in the temporal lobe (least damage)
> 3 patients with damage to the medial temporal lobe and anterolateral temporal lobe (most damage)
> HM - damage to his medial and lateral temporal lobe
Control group
> 8 Ps
> Matched to brain damaged patients by age, sex & education (factors that could affect ability)
