Evaluation of Tulving’s Explanation of LTM (8 marks)

Question 1

Evidence to support Tulvings long term memory?

Answer 1

• Point: Long Term Memory is split into different stores. → Clive Wearing supports Tulving’s idea of different types of LTM
• Example: Clive Wearing damaged his hippocampus. → although he damaged his hippocampus, he was able to still play the piano and remembers his wife.
• Explain: This shows the Long Term Memory is split into semantic and episodic memory

Question 2

Applications and implications to society to support Tulvings long term memory?

Answer 2

• Point: Understanding of episodic and semantic distinctions has given to rise to real life applications
• Examples: Sylvie Belleville et al (2006) improved episodic memories of older people with mild memory impairment.
• Explain: This helps identify different types of LTM. It can be used to help people with specific memory problems to lead more normal lives.

Question 3

Comparisons and credibility of Tulvings long term memory?

Answer 3

• Point: Tulving failed to explain in other types of LTM
• Examples: H.M and Clive Wearing were both able to learn new skills
• Explain: It was found that maybe there was a 3rd memory store called procedural memory which the theory did not consider.

Question 4

How good is the research of Tulvings long term memory?

Answer 4

• Point: It is hard to test the two stores as they rely on each other. Lists of words for semantic memory can be used for episodic memory too.
• Examples: PET scans can be used to show different parts of the brain are active when in use. → Also case studies such as H.M. when he had his hippocampus removed.
• Explain: These experiments and case studies are used to help us test these theories as it is difficult to test the two stores. It can provide further information