Memory - Types of Long Term Memory

Memory - Types of Long Term Memory

1. Episodic memory

   • These are memories that have happened to us
     • time stamped - we remember when they happened
       • recalled using conscious effort - we are aware of having to think to remember them not taught to us

2. Semantic memory

   • Knowledge of facts about the world and meanings of words and concepts
     • not time stamped
       • does require effort to recall
         • May be taught to us

3. Procedural memory

   • Memory for actions or skills
     • not time stamped
       • may be taught to us

4. evidence for LTM

   • The case studies of Clive wearing and of HM show that although episodic memory was severely impaired, both men retained their procedural and semantic memory. They both knew how to use language (semantic memory) and how to walk, talk, tie shoe laces, etc (procedural memory).
   • Brain scans have shown that episodic memories involve activity on the right side of the prefrontal cortex, whereas semantic memories involve the left side of the prefrontal cortex. This supports the idea that the different stores are physically separate

5. Critisisms for LTM

   • Some researchers do not agree that episodic and semantic memories are stored separately. They suggest these are both part of a single store named declarative memory (memories that can be consciously recalled). They do accept however that procedural memory is a separate store.