AQA Psychology: Memory: Types of long-term
memory
Outline and evaluate types of long-term memory (16)
A01: Point
Tulving developed the long-term memory (LTM) store from the multi store
model and suggested that there are 3 types of LTM.
Episodic memories are the memories we have of certain events, places,
people etc. For example, when you visited an old friend for lunch. These
memories are time stamped, meaning we know when they occurred.
These memories are also declarative (we actively recall them).
Another type of LTM is semantic memory. This is our store of knowledge
of the world such as what things are and what they mean. For example,
how an orange tastes and the definition of words. These memories are not
time stamped but are declarative.
The last type of LTM is procedural memory. This is the store of our various
skills such as knowing how to ride a bike or drive a car. These memories
are not time stamped and are non-declarative. This means we recall these
memories unconsciously and tend to struggle explaining them.
A03: Evaluation
One strength of the types of long-term memory is research support. A
case study conducted on Clive Wearing showed his episodic memory to be
highly impacted by his amnesia. He had no recollection of his musical
education, but his procedural memory was still intact meaning that he
could still play the piano. His semantic memory was still functional.
Therefore, this clinical study demonstrates that long term memory is
divided into 3 separate types and work independent of each other (one
can be affected and the others not). Contrarily, Case studies do not show
cause and effect. It is difficult to say that Clive’s memory was impacted by
his amnesia or other factors. Researchers do not know the condition of his
memory prior to the damage. Therefore, this study may not be accurate in
demonstrating the 3 types of LTM in real life situations.
A limitation of LTM types is that there is conflicting evidence about where
in the brain they are located. For example, some research implies that the
left prefrontal cortex is involved in semantic memory and the right
prefrontal cortex is involved in episodic memory. Whereas other research
says that the left prefrontal cortex is also involved in episodic memory.
memory
Outline and evaluate types of long-term memory (16)
A01: Point
Tulving developed the long-term memory (LTM) store from the multi store
model and suggested that there are 3 types of LTM.
Episodic memories are the memories we have of certain events, places,
people etc. For example, when you visited an old friend for lunch. These
memories are time stamped, meaning we know when they occurred.
These memories are also declarative (we actively recall them).
Another type of LTM is semantic memory. This is our store of knowledge
of the world such as what things are and what they mean. For example,
how an orange tastes and the definition of words. These memories are not
time stamped but are declarative.
The last type of LTM is procedural memory. This is the store of our various
skills such as knowing how to ride a bike or drive a car. These memories
are not time stamped and are non-declarative. This means we recall these
memories unconsciously and tend to struggle explaining them.
A03: Evaluation
One strength of the types of long-term memory is research support. A
case study conducted on Clive Wearing showed his episodic memory to be
highly impacted by his amnesia. He had no recollection of his musical
education, but his procedural memory was still intact meaning that he
could still play the piano. His semantic memory was still functional.
Therefore, this clinical study demonstrates that long term memory is
divided into 3 separate types and work independent of each other (one
can be affected and the others not). Contrarily, Case studies do not show
cause and effect. It is difficult to say that Clive’s memory was impacted by
his amnesia or other factors. Researchers do not know the condition of his
memory prior to the damage. Therefore, this study may not be accurate in
demonstrating the 3 types of LTM in real life situations.
A limitation of LTM types is that there is conflicting evidence about where
in the brain they are located. For example, some research implies that the
left prefrontal cortex is involved in semantic memory and the right
prefrontal cortex is involved in episodic memory. Whereas other research
says that the left prefrontal cortex is also involved in episodic memory.
