Types of LTM

includes info on Clive Wearing

Types of LTM

Name the 3 types:

1. Episodic

2. Semantic

3. Procedural

Types of LTM

What is episodic memory?

memories w/ personal meaning, + details of their context, emotions, + specific details of events (eg: first time meeting a partner)

• Time stamped experience

• Not learned

• Must think to recall them

• Conscious, explicit

Types of LTM

Where is episodic memory stored?

Hippocampus and temporal lobe

Types of LTM

What is semantic memory?

memories of the world and the associated knowledge eg: an understanding of what words/themes/concepts mean + the ability to use info from one concept to help understand another

• Not time stamped

• Learnt or taught

• Must think to recall

• Less vulnerable to distortion

• Conscious, explicit

Types of LTM

Where is semantic memory stored?

Temporal lobe

Types of LTM

What is procedural memory?

Memories of learned skills eg: swiming/driving

• Unconscious, implicit

• Don't need to think before doing it

• Automatic

Types of LTM

Where is procedural memory stored?

Cerebellum and motor cortex

Types of LTM

Evaluation: evidence of different types

HM and Clive Wearing show how one type of LTM = impaired (episodic in their cases), but the others = unaffected (procedural and semantic) → Clive was able to skilfully play the piano (procedural) + understand concept of music (semantic) but couldn’t remember his wedding (episodic) → confirms classification of diff types of LTM as separate

Types of LTM

Evaluation: issue w/ case studies

The majority of the population don't have amnesia/brain damage/grew up differently etc → effects on HM + Clive Wearing’s memory might only be due to the situations they were in + may not be applicable to gen pop → 2 examples don't make a general rule → issue w/ generalisation of case studies

Types of LTM

Evaluation: support brain scan evidence

brain scan supporting evidence shows diff areas of brain = active for diff kinds of LTM → Episodic = hippocampus + other parts of the temporal lobe where it’s located, semantic = temporal lobe, procedural = cerebellum (involved in control of fine motor skills) → these scans demonstrate diff areas of brain = active when different LTM stores = used → suggests LTM isn’t one store as MSM suggests

Types of LTM

Evaluation: alternative

Cohen and Squire (1980) suggest 2 stores: declarative memory (episodic/semantic, must be recalled consciously), + nondeclarative memory (procedural, can be recalled unconsciously) → disagreement = issue bcs important to get distinction/definition b/w types of LTM right bcs influences how memory studies are conducted + interpretation of results → influences understanding of LTM

Types of LTM

Evaluation: practical application

Bellville et al (2006) found training improved episodic memories in older people w/ mild cognitive impairments vs control → highlights benefit of distinguishing b/w types of LTM bcs allows development of specific treatments + improve quality of life