Long term memory Flashcards
What are the types of Long term memory?
episodic, semantic, procedural
Episodic memory
Concerned with episodes such as an event or group of events - gives autobiographical record of personal experiences
Semantic Memory
Concerned with knowledge about the world - all knowledge an individual has learned
Procedural memory
Concerned with skills such as how to drive a car
What is the strength of episodic memories is influenced by?
- Emotions present at the time memory is coded
- Degree of processing of information during coding with highly processed episodic events recalled more easily
What part of the brain is to do with episodic memory?
Prefrontal cortex brain area, neocortex and hippocampus
What is the strength of semantic memory influenced by?
The degree of processing during coding. Episodic memory is linked to semantic memory and underpins it as people learn from experiences.
What part of the brain is to do with semantic memory?
Frontal and temporal lobes of the brain and the hippocampus
What part of the brain is to do with procedural memory?
Primary motor cortex, cerebellum, prefrontal cortex
Which types of LTM are conscious?
Episodic and semantic
Which type of LTM is unconscious?
Procedual
What are the strengths of the types of LTMs?
- Supported by case studies
- Evidence from brain scans such as PETs and MRI’s
- Types of LTMs can be applied to real life positively such as creating treatments
What are the weaknesses of the types of LTMs?
- Gender differences so LTM research cannot be generalised
- Case studies have methodological issues such as lack of control
What are the case studies for LTM?
- H.M and Clive Wearing
- Vicari et al (2007)
- Finke (2012)
- Tulving (1989)
- Belleville (2006)
- Herlitz et al (1997)
H.M and Clive Wearing
Both severely impaired episodic memories but could learn more skills so procedual memory intact. Wearing had damage to his brain but could still read and play piano music, proving the different LTM stores
Vicari et al (2007)
Case study of CL, 8yo girl with brain damage, couldn’t create new episodic memories but could make new procedural memories. Shows the two types of LTM use different brain areas
Finke (2012)
68yo professional cellist who suffered brain damage and had severe episodic and semantic memory difficulties. He couldn’t recall musical facts but could still read and play music and learn complex piece.
Tulving (1989)
Conducted an experiment where he asked participants to do different memory tasks that required them to use their episodic and procedural memories whilst having PET scans. Semantic memories used frontal and temporal lobes, Episodic memories used prefrontal cortex
Belleville (2006)
Showed its possible to improve episodic memories in elderly people with impairments. Highlights benefits of distinguishing between different types of LTM as it allows for specific treatments to be developed
Herlitz et al (1997)
Assessed LTM abilities in 1000 Swedish participants and found that females performed better on episodic LTM tasks and no gender differences in semantic LTM ability showing differences in Semantic and Episodic memory
