Types Of Long Term Memory Flashcards
Why were the types of long term memories studied in response to the MSM
One of the key criticisms of the multi-store model is it is too simple because it describes both short term and long term memory as unitary stores. The working memory model explained how short term memory can be divided into qualitatively different sub systems. This now looks at how long term memory can be divided into sub systems as well.
How many types of long term memory are there and what are they each called
There are 3 types:
-semantic
-episodic
-procedural
What are the types of long term memory divided into
They are devised into whether they are explicit (declarative) memories or whether they are implicit (procedural) memories.
What do the terms implicit and explicit mean
Explicit- consciously recalled and can be put into words
Implicit- can’t be consciously recalled and is difficult to put into words (non declarative)
Give the types of long term memory that are declarative or explicit
Semantic and episodic
Give the types of long term memory that are non declarative and implicit
Procedural
Describe the type of long term memory- episodic memory
Episodic memory’s are about knowing that. The term episodic, comes from the word episode. An event or group of events occurring as part of a larger sequence. This kind of memory is s concerned with your personal experiences, with your recollection of your first day at school, a family holiday or playing with friends and so on. You may also recall the time and place of the events as well as who was there. So episodic memories have three elements: specific details of the event, context and emotion.
Describe the type of long term memory- semantic memory
Semantic memories are also about knowing that, but instead of knowing that your first day at school was scary you know you also know that people of a certain age go to school and 2+2 is 4. Semantic memories are knowledge of the world which is shared with everyone rather than the personal kind of knowledge episodic memories have. They may relate to things such as functions of objects, or what behaviour is appropriate, such as social customs. These memories generally begin as episodic memories because we acquire knowledge based on personal experiences. However, sometimes people have good recollection of where they learned the fact and what happened happend before or after. And maybe the emotions felt when finding out.
Describe the type of long term memory- procedural memory
Procedural memory is associated with skills, such as knowing how to tie a shoelace or ride a bike. It’s about remembering how to do something rather than knowing the rules of what to do. Procedural memories are typically acquired through repetition and practice, unlike episodic and semantic memory, this kind of memory is implicit. It is important that procedural memories are automatic so we can focus our attention on other things and tasks while preforming these everyday skills.
What evidence Is there from brain scans to support the differences between types of long term memory
Episodic memory is associated with the hippocampus and other parts of the temporal lobe, aswell as in the frontal lobe. Semantic memory relies on the temporal lobe. And procedural memories are associated with the cerebellum, which is involved in the control of fine motor skills aswell as the motor cortex.
These brain scans show that different types of long term memory function within different areas of the brain and therefore are seperate.
What further support from case studies supports the different types of long term memory
The case study of HM. We studied his ability to form new LTMs was affected by distraction of the hippocampus. But he retained his pre existing long term memory’s. After the surgery he could still preform and form new procedural memories but not episodic or semantic memories. For example he was able to draw a figure by looking at its reflection in a mirror, a skill called motor drawing. This supports the distinction between procedural and declarative memories, and hence the existence of multiple types.
What is the problem with using evidence from patients with brain damage
Problems with evidence from brain damage patients. The difficulty with studies of amnesiacs, including HM, is that it is difficult to be certain on the exact areas of damage in the brain until the patient has died. Just because there is damage to a particular area doesn’t mean that that area is solely responsible for that behaviour
