Case studies for multi store memory model

Case studies for multi store memory model

1. HM

   • He underwent an operation to remove parts of his brain (includes his hippocrampus) in an attempt to control his epileptic fits.
   • What he can do?
     • Remember LTM memories from 11 years ago prior to surgery.
     • Learns motor skills like learning to use a walking frame at a subconscious level.
   • What he can't do?
     • Retain long term memories from short term
   • He supports the MSMM

2. Clive Wearing

   • What he can do?
     • Remember little of his life from 1985: e.g he has children
     • Recall how to play piano. Due to the fact his cerebellum in the procedural memory did not incur any damage.
   • What he can't do?
     • Unable to encode new memories. Spends every day "waking up" every few minutes
     • Can't remember his children's names
   • Suffered a viral infection attacking his brain, damaging his hippocrampus and associated areas.
   • Contradicts model
   • Both contradict as they show LTM& STM are not one single structure.

3. KF

   • Involved in a motorcycle accident that resulted in brain damage in the left parieto-occipital region (near the back of the brain)
   • What he can't do?
     • STM is damaged so he can't remember verbal information.
   • What he can do?
     • Can transfer LTM and visual information was unaffected.
     • He has a very small capacity of 1 item
   • contradicts model

4. All of these studies lack external validity as they can't be generalised due to the severity of these case studies

5. May be considered unethical as privacy issues as info is easily found out and in the case of CW he's unaware he's participating in the study due to damage in the STM.