Types of long-term memory

Question 1

Who proposed the three LTM stores?

Answer 1

Tulving (1985)

Question 2

Why did Tulving propose the three LTM stores?

Answer 2

thought the MSM view of the LTM was too simplistic and inflexible

Question 3

Description of episodic memory store

Answer 3

• our ability to recall events (episodes) of personal experiences and events in our lives e.g. breakfast you ate this morning
• these memories are time-stamped, remember when they happened as well as what
• have to make a conscious effort to recall episodic memories

Question 4

Description of Semantic memory store

Answer 4

• store contains our knowledge of the world and facts e.g. how to apply to university, meaning of words
• memories are not time-stamped, won’t recall when we first learnt information
• conscious effort to recall semantic memories

Question 5

Description of Procedural memory

Answer 5

• memory store for actions or skills (how we do things) e.g. driving
• memories are non time stamped, actions occur without needing to remember how they occur
• recall these memories without conscious awareness

Question 6

How does Clive wearing & HM support existence of different types of LTM?

Answer 6

• both experienced brain damage
• both of their episodic memories were damaged (couldn’t remember musical education or aspects of their life)
• semantic & procedural memory still intact (still could play piano & understood the meaning of words
• shows LTM is not a unitary store, one store could be damage but others are unaffected

Question 7

What is a counterpoint to the support from case studies?

Answer 7

• studies on brain injuries lack control of variables
• brain injuries were unexpected so researchers had no way of controlling what happened to the participant before or during injury
• difficult to judge the exactly how worse the damage was
• limits what clinical studies can tell us about different types of LTM

Question 8

How do neurological studies support idea of different types of LTM?

Answer 8

• Tulving et al asked participants to perform various memory tasks while they were scanned
• prefrontal cortex was active for semantic & episodic memories
• supports that different brain areas are active while carrying out tasks which test different LTM

Question 9

How does being able to identify different LTM have real-life application?

Answer 9

• allows for intervention
• as people age they experience memory loss but specifically episodic memories
• Belleville found that episodic memories can be improved in older people who had mild cognitive impairments by training them
• distinguishing between the 3 types of LTM helps people get treatment they need