Multi Store Model - HM Study

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

The HM study conducted by Milner (1957) was a longitudinal case study on Henry Molaison which aimed to look at the ‘localization of brain function’ to support the idea that memory stores are separate from each other.

Question 2

Method

Answer 2

Henry Molaison underwent a lobotomy in 1953 which intended to relieve his epileptic seizures that he had experienced since he was a child. A large portion of his hippocampus was removed which had unexpected impacts on his memory.

Question 3

Results

Answer 3

The results of this case study show that although his seizures were reduced, he developed anterograde amnesia, which is the inability to form new memories after the time of damage to the brain. However, he was able to remember something if he concentrated on it, but it was shortly lost.

*hippocampus

Question 4

Conclusion

Answer 4

To conclude, the results support the theory in providing evidence that our memories are formed in separate stores. This is due to the fact that he was able to remember things for a brief period of time in his STM, however it suggests that the hippocampus plays an important role in the transfer of information from the STM to the LTM. This is due to the fact that the information was not able to be transferred to his LTM which is why he couldn’t form new memories.

Question 5

Methodological Considerations

Answer 5

STRENGTHS
- longitudinal case studies allow researchers to investigate unique phenomena that cannot be studied otherwise
- allows for an in-depth and insightful exploration that helps us advance our understanding of human behaviour
- can provide further discoveries to help support theories such as the multi-store model

LIMITATIONS
- case study was a unique case and it can be hard to generalise findings to other cases of brain injuries.
- Since only Henry was tested, he could have been influenced by individual characteristics and it may not be representative of the population and other cases.
- There could also be researcher or participant bias where the researcher interacts with the participant for prolonged periods of time which could influence the findings. Therefore it would be harder to draw conclusions about the long-term effects of his brain injury.

Question 6

Alternate Explanations

Question 7

Gender

Answer 7

male

Question 8

Ethics

Answer 8

The HM study raises ethical concerns related to informed consent, confidentiality, privacy and ethical considerations
INFORMED CONSENT - Henry Molaison was unable to give informed consent due to his condition due to severe memory impairment and cognitive deficits. This raises questions about the ethical implications of conducting research on vulnerable populations.
CONFIDENTIALITY - The HM study also raises concerns about confidentiality as it involved the publication of detailed information about HM’s condition, including his name and personal details. Therefore this could be considered unethical as anonymity has not been guaranteed.
PRIVACY - The HM study involved the use of intensive brain surgery which may have affected HM’s privacy. This raises implications about using medical treatments that may have unintended consequences and the need to ensure patients are fully informed about the risks and benefits of such treatments.
DEBRIEFING - The HM study did not involve a debriefing process as he was unable to remember the study or the researchers. Therefore this raises concerns about conducting research on patients who are not fully informed about their rights as research participants.

Question 9

Culture