Memory - type of long-term memory Flashcards
Who proposed there are 3 different types of LTM?
Endel Tulving (1967)
What are the 3 types of LTM called?
Episodic, semantic and procedural
Describe episodic memory
Personal events - has to be consciously recalled so is declarative
What 3 elements are involved in episodic memories?
Details of the event, the event itself and associated emotion are interwoven into a single memory
Example of episodic memory
1st day of school
Are episodic memories time-stamped?
Yes - (you know when they’re made)
What region of the brain are episodic memories associated with?
Hippocampus and right prefrontal cortex - Tulving (1994)
Describe semantic memory
Information about the world (meaning of words as well as general knowledge). Has to be consciously recalled so is declarative
Give an example of semantic memory
London is the capital of England
Are semantic memories time stamped?
They often start off as episodic memories but are NOT time stamped - less vulnerable to distortion than episodic
What region of the brain are semantic memories associated with?
Left prefrontal cortex - Tulving (1994)
Describe procedural memory
How to do things and carry out complex motor tasks (they’re hard to explain). Don’t have to be consciously recalled so are non-declarative and free up working memory
Example of a procedural memory
Knowing how to ride a bike
Are procedural memories time stamped?
No
What region of the brain of procedural memories associated with?
Cerebellum and motor cortex
What is a strength of the theory of different LTM types? - Can be seen in case studies of patients with brain damage
===> Most famous case study is that of HM. After surgery removing part of hippocampus, HM could still form new procedural memories but not episodic or semantic. For example, he gradually improved at a mirror drawing task despite not remembering magazine he had read early in day. Non-declarative memory still intact but declarative memories impaired. Proves existence of separate and distinct types of LTM
What is a strength of the theory of different LTM types? - Supportive evidence from brain scans
===> Tulving et al (1994) study where ppts. did memory tasks whilst undergoing PET scans. Semantic associated with left hemisphere and episodic with right. Procedural memory associated with cerebellum. Worth noting there are conflicting findings. Buckner and Petersen (1996) found semantic memory residing in right prefrontal cortex and episodic in the left. Lack of agreement regarding specific locations weakens neurological evidence and calls for further investigation
What is a limitation of the theory of different LTM types? - Some researchers believe there are only 2 LTM stores
===> Cohen and Squire (1980) concur procedural memories are one type of LTM but argue episodic and semantic are stored together. Collectively refer to them as declarative memory, encompassing memories that have to be consciously recalled, while procedural are non-declarative. Crucial to differentiate between these types of memory as can impact design and implementation of memory studies and is important in assisting patients with amnesia. Presence of contradictory evidence challenges theory
What is a strength of the theory of different LTM types? - Practical application allows psychologists to enhance specific memories and improve lives
===> Belville at al (2006) conducted study showing episodic memory could be enhanced in older individuals with mild ‘cognitive impairment’. Trained group (received episodic memory strategies) performed better in test than those without. As episodic memory is vulnerable to mild cognitive impairment, being able to differentiate between different LTM types enables targeted therapy to address specific memory defects
