Wilson et al

Question 1

W - Aim

Answer 1

To record the neuropsychological assessments and experiences of an individual who suffered from a severe and rare case of global amnesia.

Question 2

W - Type

Answer 2

Longitudinal case study.

Question 3

W - Sample

Answer 3

Clive Wearing, a British man, born in 1938. He was an outstanding musician and scholar until he contracted flu, which impacted areas of his brain in 1985.

Question 4

W - Procedure

Answer 4

Clive was referred to Wilson in 1985 and was researched with observations, in-depth interviews, and brain scans over the course of 21 years.

Question 5

W - Results

Answer 5

Clive’s IQ had declined, his long-term memory was severely affected, some areas of his brain were unaffected, his episodic and semantic memory had declined. However, Clive still had the ability to talk, read, write, and play music.

Question 6

W - Conclusion

Answer 6

The study provided support for the Multi-Store Model, and the idea that there are multiple stores of long-term memory.

Question 7

W - Criticisms

Answer 7

Case studies make it difficult to make generalisations, results of the case relied on researcher’s interpretations of Clive’s behaviour, - researcher bias - the study was unethical, (wasn’t confidential, he was ill, could’ve been distressed) the findings were subjective to some of Clive’s family’s memories of Clive.