The Types of LTM

• Overview:

  Tulving was an initial cognitive psychologist to realise the MSM view of LTM was too simplistic and inflexible. Instead, he proposed there are 3 LTM stores, all containing different types of information.
• Episodic Memory:

  Refers to our ability to recall events from our lives, likened to a diary. These complex memories are time-stamped and contain several elements (people, places) all combined to produce one memory. They require conscious effort to recall.
• Semantic Memory:

  Contains our knowledge of the world and facts- likened to an encyclopaedia. These memories aren't time-stamped though they do require conscious effort. This store is an immense collection of material which is continually accumulating.
• Procedural Memory:

  Our memory of actions and skills. We are able to recall these without conscious effort. These skills are difficult to explain to someone else, due to overcomplication. These memories aren't time-stamped.
• AO3: Clinical Evidence

  The cases of HM and Clive Wearing; episodic memory in both men was severely impacted due to amnesia. They found it difficult recalling events in their past- but semantic memories were unaffected. HM didn't remember owning a dog in the past, but didn't need the concept of 'dog' explained.

  Their procedural memories were in tact- Wearing could still read and play music.

  Shows that the 3 types of LTM may be located in different areas in the brain.
• AO3: Limitations of Clinical Case-Studies

  Studying people with brain injuries can help researchers to understand how memory is meant to work. Though they do lack control over variables; brain injuries are usually unexpected so the researcher has no way of controlling what happened to the p's before and after the accident. Without any knowledge of the p's memory before, researchers cannot judge how much it has worsened.

  IDA: Individual Differences, Idiographic
• AO3: Neuroimaging Evidence

  Tulving et al asked p's to perform various tasks whilst having their brain PET scanned. Finding that episodic and semantic memories were recalled from the prefrontal cortex. In the LH semantic was recalled, and in the RH episodic was recalled. Providing evidence through their physical distinction.

  Brain scanning is reliable and objective.
• AO3: Real-Life Application

  Allowing distinctions has enabled psychologists to target treatments to specific memory problems. Belleville et al demonstrated episodic memories can be improved in older people with mild cognitive impairment- though past episodic memory was still in tact, recent experiences were harder to recall. This devised intervention showed that those with training performed better on a test of episodic memory than the control group with no training.

  Enables treatments to be developed.
• AO3: 2 or 3 types of LTM

  Cohen and Squire accept that procedural memories are distinct, but argue that episodic and semantic are stored together in one store called declarative memory. This is because they are both consciously recalled. Procedural is then non-declarative.