Notes on Long Term Memory Structure

Long term memory can be conceptualized as a roadmap that outlines different kinds of memories.

There are two primary types of information stored in long term memory: - Declarative Memory: - Definition: Memory for facts and events that can be consciously accessed and declared. - Example: Knowing that your favorite restaurant closes at 6 p.m. on Sundays is a declarable fact. - Procedural Memory: - Definition: Memory concerning how to perform tasks or skills; it is about knowing how to do things. - Examples: - Riding a bike. - Speaking, which includes the muscle memory associated with forming words and sounds. - Eating an apple, which involves procedural knowledge about how to do it.

Declarative memory can be further divided into two categories: - Episodic Memory: - Definition: Vivid, conscious memories of personal experiences that occur during specific events and are rich in sensory detail. - Example: Recalling what you had for breakfast, including the sensory experiences like taste and smell (e.g., a fried egg). - Semantic Memory: - Definition: Memory for general knowledge and concepts, often involving information stored in language. - Example: Understanding what an egg or a cup of coffee is, which does not necessarily involve personal experiences.

The way knowledge is expressed in long term memory can be divided into two categories: - Explicit Memory: - Definition: Memories that can be expressed through conscious recollection and articulated verbally. - Example: Your telephone number, which can be consciously recalled and stated. - Implicit Memory: - Definition: Memories that are not consciously accessible. They influence behavior and actions but do not require conscious recollection. - Note: Often, individuals cannot access implicit memories in a conscious manner.

There exists a close relationship between procedural and declarative memory: - Procedural Memory is typically Implicit: - Example: How to ride a bicycle, which is a combination of procedural and implicit memory. - Declarative Memory is typically Explicit: - This type can be brought into conscious thought and discussed verbally.

Explicit memories can be accessed through: - Recall: - Definition: The spontaneous, conscious recollection of information from long term memory. - Usage: Required in open-ended exam questions where you must generate information from memory. - Recognition: - Definition: The ability to identify something previously seen or learned. - Usage: Required in multiple-choice questions where you can recognize the correct answer from options provided.

The structure of long term memory includes several key divisions and distinctions, outlining how different types of memories are stored and accessed. Understanding these can help in effectively utilizing long term memory.