Long term memory

Long term memory

1. Memory of distant events, i.e. childhood memories

2. Duration: Unlimited Capacity: Unlimited

3. Encoding: Mainly Semantic (but can be visual and acoustic)

4. Procedural memory

   • Procedural memory is a part of the long-term memory is responsible for knowing how to do things
   • It does not involve conscious (i.e. it’s unconscious - automatic) thoughts and is not declarative.
   • Procedural memory would involve knowledge of how to ride a bicycle.
   • i.e. memory of motor skills, things like walking

5. Semantic memory

   • Semantic memory is a part of the long-term memory responsible for storing information about the world.
   • This includes knowledge about the meaning of words, as well as general knowledge.
   • It involves conscious thought and is declarative.
   • For example, London is the capital of England.

6. Episodic memory

   • Episodic memory is a part of the long-term memory responsible for storing information about events (i.e. episodes) that we have experienced in our lives.
   • It involves conscious thought and is declarative.
   • An example would be a memory of our 1st day at school.

7. Distinguishing between semantic and episodic

   • Are episodic memories a gateway to forming semantic memories or can they be formed independently?
     • Some Alzheimer's patients retain ability to form episodic memories but not semantic memories
       • single dissociation
   • HOWEVER that isn't sufficient evidence
     • Could be the 2 are distinct due to episodic memory placing greater general demands on mental processing and so is more affected by brain damage.

8. Evidence from brain scans

   • Different areas of the brains are active when different kinds of LTM's are active
     • Episodic is associated with hippocampus and other parts of temporal lobe and frontal lobe
   • Semantic also relies on temporal lobe.
   • Procedural memory - cerebellum and motor cortex. Also basal ganglia and limbic system.