Multiple memory systems Tulving

Multiple memory systems Tulving

1. 5 LTM systems & 11 subsystems

   • Episodic memory (record of personal experiences)
     • Wheeler: stores the subjective experiences that accompany information retrieval
   • Semantic memory (general knowledge store)

2. Collins and Quillian: converted a system for representing info in computer systems into a model of human knowledge. This and further investigated established semantic memory as distinct research area with its own issues, paradigms and measures

3. Criticisms

   • The need for substantial communication
     • Tulving then suggested episodic memory is embedded in semantic memory
       • Anderson and Ross (1980) used sentence verification task & sentence recognition task. Semantic judgements were affected by episodic info. Episodic info also affected retrieval from semantic memory. Suggests systems are linked.
   • Lack of theoretical explanation for the way different variables affect operation of systems
     • Anderson (1974) demonstrated fan effect. RTs for sentences about particular concept increase as more info is acquired. Observed in EM tests but not SM tests
   • Lack of agreement on criteria by which systems distinguished and classified

4. Neuropsychological data presented to support distinction. However, deficits observed across both tasks