Milner (1957-2008)

Question 1

Where can this study be used (6)

Answer 1

Localization and function
Techniques to study the brain
Bio and cognitive approach research methods
Bio and cognitive approach ethical considerations
Emotion and cognition
Models of memory

Question 2

Aim

Answer 2

To investigate memory loss in a brain-damaged patient known as HM and to investigate the areas of the brain implicated in his amnesia

Question 3

Participant

Answer 3

Patient known as HM (Henry Molaison) ran over by a bycicle at 9 resulting in him experiencing epileptic fits
* became so severe at 27 he underwent a bilateral medial temporal lobe resection (removal of about 2/3 of his hippocampus(
* improved but began to suffer extreme anterograde amnesia (can’t form new memories) and partial retrograde amnesia (recalling long-term memories)

Question 4

Method

Answer 4

• initially studies by Brenda Milner (doctoral student who visited HM frequently) - administered range of tests including psychiatres tests (personality, mood and despression questionnaires, interviews with psychiatrists)
  
  • completed standard IQ test (normal), Wechsler Memory Scale test (severe memory impairment)
• later studied by Corkin (who used MRI scans) for over 50 years until his death at 82

Question 5

Results

Answer 5

Hippocampal damage may be linked to long-term anterograde amnesia
* memory is not simply part and parcel of a collection of cognitive functions which reside in the cortex - distinct function which is localised to the temporal lobe, specifically the hippocampus

Question 6

Strengths (2)

Answer 6

• both qualitative and quantitative data - generating reliable and rich data
• important new insight into bran and its link to memory function

Question 7

Limitations (2)

Answer 7

• confounding variable - HM’s brain was already damaged due to epilepsy which would decrease validity
• research bias - working closely for years with HM suggests emotional connection producing lack of objectivity

Question 8

How does the study link with “Techniques to study the brain”?

Answer 8

The use of MRI scans by Corkin gave direct biological input into the study
* greater validity and reliability

Question 9

How does this study link to MSMM?

Answer 9

Supports the MSMM, which suggests that memory consists of three separate stores: sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory
* HM’s case demonstrates that the hippocampus is essential for transferring information from short-term memory to long-term memory (as proposed by the MSMM)
* once memories are stored long-term, they are organized elsewhere in the brain, showing that memory may be more complex than the MSMM predicts