C2 - Types of long-term memory

Question 1

LTM store 1 - Episodic memory

Answer 1

• Stores events from our lives
• They are time stamped
• They involve several elements (people/places/objects/behaviours woven into one memory)
• Conscious effort to recall them

Question 2

LTM store 2 - Semantic memory

Answer 2

• Stores our knowledge of the world
• Not-time stamped
• Less personal than episodic memories & more about facts/knowledge

Question 3

LTM store 3 - Procedural memory

Answer 3

• Stores memories for actions & skills
• Automatic with practice
• Explaining step-by-step procedure hard bc you do it without conscious recall

Question 4

Evaluations of the types of long-term memory (SLS)

Answer 4

S - Case study evidence of different types of LTM
L - Conflicting findings about types of LTM & brain areas
S - Helping people with memory problems

Question 5

S - Case study evidence of different types of LTM

Answer 5

• Clinical studies of amnesia showed both HM & Clive had difficulty recalling episodic memores
• But, semantic & procedural memories unaffected (e.g. Clive played piano still)
• Supports view that there are different memory stores in LTM as one can be damaged but others unaffected

Question 6

L - Conflicting findings about types of LTM & brain areas

Answer 6

• Buckner & Petersen reviewed research findings & concluded semantic memory located in left prefrontal cortex & episodic with right prefrontal cortex
• Other studies found semantic memory associated with right prefrontal cortex & reverse for episodic memory
• Challenges neurophysiological evidence to support types of LTM as there is poor agreement on location of each type

Question 7

S - Helping people with memory problems

Answer 7

• Memory loss in old age is specific to episodic memory (recent experiences hard to recall, past memories intact)
• Belleville et al devised intervention for older people targeting episodic memory, improving memory
• Distinguishing between types of LTM enables specific treatments to be developed