Memory : Long Term Memory

Question 1

2 subdivisions of LTM

Answer 1

Atkinson + Shiffrin’s MSM is too simplistic (presents LTM as unitary store. LTM has been divided into two types of memory:
- Declarative
- Non declarative

Question 2

Declarative memory

Answer 2

Involves conscious recall

Question 3

Non-declarative memory

Answer 3

Involves unconscious recall

Question 4

Tulving et al (1994) : 3 main stores

Answer 4

• episodic memory
• semantic memory
• procedural memory

Question 5

Tulving et al (1994) : Episodic memory

Answer 5

• knowledge on personal events
• has to be recalled → declarative
• time stamped
• hippocampus and right prefrontal cortex
• 3 main elements
• details
• event itself
• emotions interwoven

Question 6

Tulving et al (1994) : Semantic memory

Answer 6

• knowledge of the world → meanings of words, general knowledge
• has to be recalled → declarative
• start as episodic + not time stamped (less vulnerable to distortion)
• left prefrontal cortex and hippocampus

Question 7

Tulving et al (1994) : Procedural memory

Answer 7

• knowledge of how to do things and carry out complex motor tasks
• doesn’t have to be recalled → non declarative
• not time stamped
• cerebellum and motor cortex

Question 8

Tulving et al (1994) : Advantages

Answer 8

• supporting evidence from brain scans
• supporting case studies (HM)
• good real world application → Belleville et al (2006) demonstrated that episodic memories would import one in elderly with mild cognitive impairments. The trained group who’d received episodic memory strats performed better vs control group. Episodic is most effected by mild cognitive impairment - benefit of distinguishing as therapy can be better targeted

Question 9

Tulving et al (1994) : Disadvantages

Answer 9

• some researchers believe there are only two stores (suggesting Tulving’s theory isn’t parsimonious - contravening laws of science)
→ Bucker + Peterson (1996) found semantic in right and episodic in left prefrontal cortex - weakening the neurological evidence as there s little agreement on specific locations of memories
→ Cohen + Squire (1980) argue episodic and semantic are one LTM store - declarative, and procedural is non-declarative

Question 10

What’s time-stamping?

Answer 10

Being able to link time, emotions, places and senses to a memory