Episodic and semantic memory

• In the Long Term memory store information is held according to its meaning (semantically) or according to its context (episodic)
• Episodic memory is cue dependent and susceptible to change while semantic memory is not
• Episodic memory

  • Mental diary of information and events individual has been involved in and is autobiographical
  • Unlimited capacity
  • Memory is time and context referenced such as when it was learned and what senses and emotions you experienced at that time
  • Retrieval is cue dependent (e.g if you chewed gum during revision may remember more chewing gum during a test)
  • Memory can be transformed when recalled
• Semantic memory

  • Mental encyclopaedia (store) of facts, general knowledge and the meanings we give to things such as language
  • Unlimited capacity
  • Learning is independent of time learned
  • Retrieval is cue independent
  • Memory is more robust and less susceptible to change
• Episodic and semantic memory is useful as it can teach you that to learn things accurately and efficiently you may want to store them semantically. However it may be less useful due to it suggesting all episodic memory is subject to change which could have consequences such as ewt not being reliable to use in a courtroom.
• Another strength of E+S memory is that it's reductionist as it gives a simplistic view of LTM by only looking at 2 components episodic and semantic. This means predictions can be made about future behaviour and memory recall
• Another weakness of E+S memory is that it fails consider individual differences as doesn't explain why some people can recall personal memories without being in the same environment/context that the memory was made. This lowers the validity of E+S memory as may not be an accurate explanation of everyone's behaviour.