Tulving's Model of LTM

Question 1

Tulving Model of LTM
(Semantic)

Answer 1

• LTM separated into two stores, episodic memory, and semantic memory
• Semantic memories are memories that you get information or meaning out of, however, do not recall how you gained that knowledge.
  (Time referencing) The memories are detached from any temporal link and they can be recalled without time cues as the order doesn’t matter.
  (Spatial referencing) It can be input in a fragmented way and can piece together factual information which has been learned at different times.
  (Retrieval) The recall is not dependent on the context of learning, it is based on inferences, generalization, and logical thought. It is not affected by retrieval as the information remains unchanged
  (Forgetting) Less susceptible to change

Question 2

Tulving Model of LTM
(Episodic)

Answer 2

• LTM separated into two stores, episodic memory, and semantic memory
• Episodic memories are memories you have that you can recall
  (Time referencing) Memories of events that have happened to you are linked to the time in which they occurred, in chronological order
  (Spatial referencing) When you remember episodic memory the memory is continuous over a time frame containing all your experiences together
  (Retrieval) The recall is dependent on the context in which the event was learned or experienced
  (Forgetting) Memories can be more easily changed or transformed

Question 3

Evaluate the Tulving Model of LTM
(Strength)

Answer 3

Strength :
- There is evidence from brain damage patients which supports Tulving’s idea that there are two separate stores in LTM
- KC suffered brain damage after the 9motorbike incident and this left him unable to form or recall memories of personal events in his life (episodic) but could recall factual information (semantic)
- This case study supports the idea of separate LT stores but also indicates they are stored in different regions

Question 4

Evaluate the Tulving Model of LTM
(Weakness)

Answer 4

Weakness :
- Clive Wearing’s case study demonstrates how Tulving’s model of only two LTM stores is inaccurate
- Clive Wearing was unable to produce memories of episodic events but still has some knowledge of facts he was also still able to play the piano. Skill is not episodic or semantic
- Therefore there must be a third long-term memory storage for practice skills