tulving

Question 1

describe Tulvings memory model

Answer 1

In Tulving’s (1974) original model, the DECLARATIVE memory can be divided into two stores, the SEMANTIC memory and the EPISODIC memory. The SEMANTIC memory deals with facts and knowledge, whereas the EPISODIC memory deals with events and experiences that happened to the person. The two memory stores differ from each other in a number of ways. One way they differ is the nature of the memory. The semantic memory represents a MENTAL ENCYCLOPEDIA whereas the EPISODIC memory can be regarded as mental diary. The semantic memory is INDEPENDENT of time referencing, whereas TIME & context is important for the episodic memory. Retrieval & forgetting is possible without the context of where it was learned in the SEMANTIC memory, whereas in the EPISODIC memory, retrieval depends on WHEN it was learned or experienced. When information is retrieved from the episodic memory, it is vulnerable to being TRANSFORMED/CHANGED, whereas in semantic memory, the MEMORY TRACE is more robust and LESS susceptible to being changed.

Question 2

Differences between semantic and episodic memory

Answer 2

Semantic- nature of stored memories mental encyclopaedia, time referencing memories are detached from when you learned them, spatial referencing input in semantic can be fragmented, nature of retrieving doesn’t need context, independence of each store can operate independently and forgetting less changeable

Episodic-mental diary ,memories are linked to the time when they happened, input is continuous, relies on context, relies on semantic, more changeable

Question 3

Evidence supporting Tulving

Answer 3

K.C episodic memory was damaged as he couldn’t recall personally events and his semantic memory was intact as he could recall facts +H.M epsisodic memory damaged sturuggled recalling the past but semantic was intact
- Brain scans eg semantic retrival uses left hemisphere and episodic uses right side

Question 4

Evidence against Tulving

Answer 4

Research has shown LTM may include more than semantic and episodic memories and his explanation may be limited eg HM and Clive both had brain damage which affected ability to retain and recall episodic memories BUT could remember how to play piano and acquire new skills (did eventually add procedural memory next to declarative)

Question 5

Methodology PEEC Tulving

Answer 5

One weakness of Tulving LTM is that it the methodology can reduce the validity of the theory. For example, they have a lack of control variables meaning they couldn’t study in absolute isolation. For example learning a list of words can be both episodic where and when the word is learnt. In addition, even using case studies lack control variables by having little knowledge of a persons memory before damage so no comparisons can be made which further educes validity pf the case study and LTM. However, the use of brain scanning techniques does increase scientific credibility as it showed different areas of the brain were used when different memories were working

Question 6

Applications Tulving

Answer 6

The theory has PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
Knowing the relationship between semantic and episodic memory can be useful for aiding memory recall.
This can also be useful in helping people with memory problems e.g. dementia. Belleville (2006) carried out a cognitive training programme on people with memory impairment, using semantic memory to help retrieve some episodic memories They found that their episodic memory improved.
Practical applications give the theory VALIDITY

Question 7

Describe Tulving LTM (4)

Answer 7

Tulving proposed that there were two types of long term memory – episodic for remembered experiences eg 1st of school and semantic for remembered information about the world EG equation.
Semantic memory refers to the conscious recall of facts and knowledge,
Episodic memory refers to personal memories.
Semantic memory is independent from episodic (or state other difference)