Types of Long-Term Memory

Question 1

What is Episodic Memory?

Answer 1

A type of long term memory store for personal events. Memories in this store must be retrieved conscioulsy and with effort.

Question 2

What is Semantic Memory?

Answer 2

A type of long term memory store for knowledge of the world (facts and knowledge of what words and concepts mean). Memories in this store usually need to be recalled deliberately.

Question 3

What is Procedural Memory?

Answer 3

A long term memory store for knowledge of how to do things (like skills). Recall of these memories usually happen without making a conscious or deliberate effort.

Question 4

What is Declarative Memory?

Answer 4

An explicit memory, that can be inspected and recalled consciously.

Question 5

What is Procedural Memory?

Answer 5

An implicit memory, that can’t be consciously recalled.

Question 6

Which areas of the brain are involved in Episodic Memory?

Answer 6

• The prefrontal cortex is involved in the initial coding
• The Neocortex and hippocampi are involved with storage

Question 7

Which areas of the brain are involved in Semantic Memory?

Answer 7

• The hippocampi, frontal lobes and temporal lobes are thought to be involved

Question 8

Which areas of the brain are involved in Procedural Memory?

Answer 8

• The Neocortex, the primary motor cortex, cerebellum and prefrontal cortex are thought to be involved

Question 9

Explain two points supporting different types of LTM.

Answer 9

• Tulving (1989) Brain Scans - scientific and objective evidence (fact) can’t misinterpret them which increases the validity. Found that different areas of the brain lit up when thinking about different kinds of memories.
• Vicari (2007) - an eight year old girl suffered brain damage due to removal of a tumor and demonstrated deficiencies in her episodic functions yet was still able to recall semantic memories. This suggest that Episodic and Semantic memories are separate systems.

Question 10

Explain two points contradicting different types of LTM.

Answer 10

• No name - It is argued that Episodic and Semantic memory systems are unclear in terms of how they are separate. There is an overlap between the two system as Semantic memories are often originated from Episodic memory. It’s believed it would be better explained as ‘declarative’ memories.
• Hertilitz (1997) - There may be gender differences in the ability to recall Episodic memories. He tested 1000 Swedish participants, finding that females performed better at recalling Episodic memories than males, yet there was no difference between Semantic memories. This may be explained by females having a higher verbal ability. - Can’t generalize due to only Swedish participants

Question 11

Give an example of Episodic Memory.

Answer 11

• A friend’s birthday

Question 12

Give an example of Semantic Memory.

Answer 12

• Where the Eiffel Tower is located

Question 13

Give an example of Procedural Memory.

Answer 13

• How to ride a bike