TULVING LONG TERM MEMORY Flashcards
(19 cards)
what is theory of long term memory?
- proposed by tulving 1972
- LTM not a single store but divided into different types of memory systems:
episodic, semantic - declarative
procedural - non declarative - challenged models like MSM which viewed LTM as unitary store
what is episodic memory?
- store for personal experiences
- included info about the what , where , when of events and is time stamped
- form of declarative memory that involves conscious recall
what is semantic memory?
- store for general knowledge and facts
- about meanings , concepts , language
- form of declarative memory that involves conscious recall
what is procedural memory?
- responsible for knowing how to do things (skills and actions)
- non declarative meaning it doesn’t require conscious recall
differences between episodic , semantic , procedural memory?
- episodic: time stamped , autobiographical , conscious recall
- semantic: general knowledge , not time stamped , conscious recall
- procedural: skills , not time stamped , unconcious recall
how does tulvings theory explain amnesia cases?
- case studies like clive wearing show distinction between memory types
- wearing lost episodic memory but retained procedural ( could still play piano )
- supports idea that LTM is not a unitary store
give a real world example of each type of memory
- episodic: remembering your last birthday party
- semantic: knowing that paris is the capital of france
- procedural: knowing how to ride a bike
how do case studies support tulvings theory?
- clive wearing and HM had impaired episodic memory but intact procedural and semantic memory , showing that different memory types are stored separately
- supports idea of multiple LTMN stores
biological evidence to support tulvings theory?
tulving 1994
PET scans found episodic and semantic memories activated different brain regions
episodic - right prefrontal cortex
semantic - left prefrontal cortex
supports idea of LTM being divided into different stores
why is tulvings theory useful in real life?
understanding LTM helps in educational strategies , therapy and supporting people with brain injuries
what is a criticism of using case studies for support?
- case studies eg. clive wearing are unique and may not generalise to the wider population
- brain damage is rarely consistent across individuals , limiting generalisability of findings
what is a challenge to the separation of memory types?
some argue episodic and semantic memories are too interlinked eg. learning facts often starts with episodic experience
questions how distinct they really are
how does tulvings theory improve on the MSM?
MSM sees LTM as a unitary store
tulving provided more detailed , scientifically supported explanation that accounts for the complexity of different LTM types , making it more valid
how has tulvings theory helped alzheimer’s research?
helps identify how alzheimer’s affects episodic memory first , whilst semantic and procedural memories may remain intact longer - supports diagnosis and care planning
how is tulvings theory used in educational settings?
teachers can use semantic memory techniques like spaced retrieval
why is testing memory types scientifically challenging?
lab tasks often lack ecological validity , and people may use a mix of memory types making distinction difficult
what is a methodological strength of research supporting tulving?
PET scans used scientific , replicable methods with controlled variables , increasing internal validity and reliability of evidence for distinct LTM systems
why is tulvings theory important for brain injury treatment?
knowing which memory systems are affected helps design targeted rehabilitation
is tulvings theory holistic or reductionist?
more holistic that MSM by acknowledging different memory types and brain regions HOWEVER , argued it oversimplifies memory by not including emotional or social influences
