Long Term Memory - Tulving

Question 1

Long-term Memories

Answer 1

Long term memory is a complex memory store that holds information for a long time, possibly a lifetime. It has unlimited capacity and is encoded semantically. It is divided into three main types: episodic (personal experiences), semantic (facts and knowledge), and procedural (skills and actions). Due to its complexity, it suggests why we may be better at remembering some things, such as places, but not faces.

Question 2

Concept of Long-term Memory

Answer 2

The idea of long-term memory was first proposed by Atkinson and Shiffrin in their multi-store model of memory, which suggested that memory consists of three stores: sensory, short-term memory and long-term memory. Later, Tulving expanded on this by identifying different types of long-term memories: episodic, semantic and procedural memory.

Question 3

What are the 3 types of Long-term Memories?

Answer 3

1) Episodic
2) Semantic
3) Procedural

Question 4

Long-term memory can be further divided into:

Answer 4

1. Explicit memory - This involves conscious recall of information. It is also referred to as declarative memory and involves episodic and semantic memory. An example is remembering your last birthday or recalling the capital of France.
2. Implicit Memory - This is unconscious and does not require deliberate effort to recall. It is also referred to as non-declarative memory and involves procedural memory. An example is riding a bike or typing on a keyboard without consciously thinking about it.

Question 5

Episodic Memories

Answer 5

Definition: Episodic memory is a type of long-term memory that stores personal experiences and events.

Key features:
1. Explicit memory - They take a conscious effort to recall.
2. Time-stamped - They are linked to specific times and places.
3. Includes details - Such as emotions, people, locations and sensory experiences.

Episodic memories can be split further into:
1. Autobiographical episodic memory - Memories of specific events of one’s life.
2. Flashbulb episodic memory - Detailed autobiographical episodic memories that are permanently stored in the long-term memory component when first experienced as they are of emotional/historical significance in that person’s life.
3. Experimental episodic memory - Where learning a fact has been associated with a memory of a specific life event when it was learnt.

Brain area involved:
1. Hippocampus - Forms episodic memories.
2. Prefrontal cortex - Retrieves episodic memories.

Question 6

Semantic Memories

Answer 6

Definition: Semantic memory is a type of long-term memory responsible for storing general knowledge and facts that is not linked to personal experiences.

Key features:
1. Explicit memory - They are consciously recalled and information is used when it is needed.
2. Not time-stamped - You don’t remember when or where you learned those facts therefore it is different to episodic memory in this way.

Brain area involved:
1. Temporal lobe - Stores and processes general knowledge.
2. Left prefrontal cortex - Primarily involved in semantic memory.

Question 7

Procedural Memories

Answer 7

Definition: Procedural memory is a type of long-term memory that stores information about how to perform motor skills and actions.

Key features:
1. Implicit memory - These skills and actions aren’t consciously thought of while performing them. They become automatic over time.
2. Skill-based memories - Procedural memory stores skills and habits that are learned through practice and repetition.
3. Hard to explain - It is often difficult to describe these skills in words because they become automatic.
4. Distinct from episodic and semantic memory - It often remains intact even when other memories are lost.

Brain areas involved:
1. Basal ganglia and cerebellum - Primarily involved in procedural memory. They help with motor control and coordination, which is essential for procedural tasks.
2. Motor cortex - Also plays a role in the execution of procedural actions.