Types Of Long Term Memory Flashcards
What are the two main types of long-term memory?
Explicit / declarative memories and Implicit / procedural memories
Explicit memories are knowing ‘that’, while implicit memories are knowing ‘how’.
What is episodic memory?
The memory of specific events that can be explicitly stated, including times, places, emotions, and contextual knowledge
Example: Remembering the party on your 6th birthday.
Which part of the brain is associated with episodic memory?
Hippocampus
The hippocampus plays a crucial role in forming episodic memories.
What is semantic memory?
Involves the recollection of ideas, concepts, and facts commonly regarded as general knowledge
Semantic memories are not usually time-stamped and are declarative.
Which part of the brain is associated with semantic memory?
Temporal lobe
The temporal lobe is involved in the processing of semantic memories.
What is procedural memory?
Concerned with skills and how to do something, rather than the rules of what to do
Procedural memory is acquired through repetition and practice.
Which part of the brain is primarily involved in procedural memory?
Cerebellum
The cerebellum plays a significant role in motor control and procedural memory.
What are the similarities between episodic and procedural memory?
Both are personal to the individual
They involve personal experiences and skills unique to each person.
What is a similarity between episodic and semantic memory?
Both are explicit information / declarative information
Both types of memory can be consciously recalled and described.
What is a key difference between episodic and procedural memory?
Episodic is time-stamped, while procedural is not
This means episodic memories are tied to specific times and events.
What is a key difference between semantic and procedural memory?
Semantic memories are stored in the temporal lobe, while procedural memories are stored in the cerebellum
Different brain areas are responsible for different types of memory.
True or False: Episodic memory is needed for the formation of semantic memories.
True
Episodic memories provide context that can aid in the development of semantic knowledge.
What supports the distinction made between the three kinds of LTM?
Brain scan research
Brain scans show different brain areas are associated with different types of long-term memory.
Which brain structures are associated with episodic memory?
Hippocampus, parts of the temporal lobe, frontal lobe
These areas are involved in the formation and retrieval of episodic memories.
Which brain structure is associated with semantic memory?
Temporal lobe
Semantic memory is linked to the processing of knowledge and facts.
Which brain structures are associated with procedural memory?
Cerebellum, motor cortices, basal ganglia, limbic system
These areas are involved in the coordination and execution of motor skills.
What evidence supports the distinction between procedural and declarative memories?
Case studies
Case studies of individuals with brain damage showcase the differences in memory types.
What could HM do concerning new memories?
Form new procedural memories but not semantic or episodic memories
HM’s case illustrates the separation of memory types.
What did Cortin (2002) find in their case study?
Individual could learn but had no memory of learning
This supports the distinction between different types of long-term memory.
What evidence is provided by studies of Alzheimer’s patients regarding semantic and episodic memory?
Separate memory stores
Research shows some patients can form new semantic memories but not episodic memories.
What did Hodges & Patterson (2007) find about Alzheimer’s patients?
Some patients could form new semantic memories but not episodic memories
This indicates that episodic and semantic memories are distinct.
What does the study by Irish et al. (2011) illustrate?
Some patients had poor semantic memories but intact episodic memories
This further supports the idea of separate memory systems.
What is a double association in memory studies?
Episodic and semantic memories are separate both ways
This means impairment in one type does not affect the other.
What are some problems with brain damage studies?
Difficult to assess extent of brain damage until death
This complicates conclusions about causality in memory function.
What does damage to a specific area of the brain not necessarily indicate?
That the area is responsible for that behavior
It may serve as a relay station rather than being directly causal.
What do brain scans indicate about memory systems?
Different systems are involved in memory processing
This shows the complexity of how memories are stored and retrieved.
