Memory - Exam questions Flashcards
Distinguish between procedural memory and semantic memory
Both are types of long term memory however procedural are memories of performance of skills such as playing an instrument whereas semantic are memories of meanings and understanding such as where the Eiffel tower is located.
Evaluate types of long term memory
There is research support from case studies. The case of clive wearing found that after suffering brain damage from encephalitis, although he could not remember autobiographical events such as his sisters wedding (episodic) but he could still play the piano (procedural). This provides evidence that there are different types of long term memory.
However it is difficult to use case studies as evidence. This is because cases such as clive wearing have very small samples of one unique individual who may not represent the rest of the population. It is also impossible to study their brain before brain damage. This therefore means the findings cannot be generalised.
The multistore model contradicts this. This is because it states long term memory is one unitary store which means it does not support that there are types of long term memory.
Evaluate the MSM
There is evidence to suggest that long term memory is not a unitary store. This is because evidence suggests there are types of long term memory such as episodic, procedural and semantic. This contradicts the MSM which states LTM is a unitary store, decreasing it’s validity.
There is research support. Research from bhaddely into coding found that PPTs performed worse recalling semantically and acoustically similar words suggesting that is how they’re coded. This supports the idea that STM and LTM have different characteristics.
Outline interference theory
Interference theory is when 2 pieces of information become confused in memory and it is less likely when there is a gap between learning. Proactive interference is when old info affects the recall of new info and retroactive interference is when new info affects the recall of old info.
Evaluate interference theory
There is an alternative theory. This is because there is retrieval failure which states when there are insufficient cues at recall we forget. This is a weakness as it is therefore not a sole explanations.
There is research support. This is because research has found rugby players who has played all games recalled fewer teams than those who had misses some due to injury. This therefore supports retroactive interference as new teams are affecting the recall of old teams.
Outline retrieval failure
retrieval failure occurs when there are insufficient cues available and so we experience forgetting as we cannot access the memories from the LTM. The encoding specify principle states that when we learn info, cues are created and if these are not present at recall, we forget. Context dependent forgetting occurs when there is a lack of external cues whereas state dependent forgetting occurs when there is a lack of internal cues.
Evaluate research into leading questions
The car crash study has low ecological validity. This is because the PPTs watched a video of a car crash instead of one in real life meaning it would not have the same emotional impact as the real thing. This means it does not reflect memory in everyday life.
The research has high levels of control. This is because it was a lab study meaning extraneous variables such as post event discussion can be controlled. This means it has high internal validity and can be replicated.
It has real world application. This is because the police no longer use leading questions in their interviews and have devised an enhanced cognitive interview as a result. This shows the value of research into eyewitness testimony.
Outline post event discussion
One reason why post event discussion occurs is due to memory contamination which is when co-witnesses mix up info from other witnesses with their own memories. The other reason is due to memory conformity which is when witnesses go along with each other to win social approval or because they believe the other is right.
What is meant by anxiety
An unpleasant state of high arousal
Discuss research into anxiety as an effect on eyewitness testimony
A study of a real life robbery found PPTs who reported the highest levels of stress has better recall than those who reported lower levels of stress (88-75). This shows anxiety can have a positive impact on recall.
A study was conducted where one group saw a man walk in holding a pen compared to the other group who saw a man walk in with bloody hands holding a paper knife. Results found 49% of the pen group correctly identified him whereas only 33% in the knife group. This shows anxiety can have a negative affects on recall.
