Question

In a bief and concise maner outline and describe the main components of long term memory, to include declarative, episosodic,and semantic memory on the one hand and the two categories of nondeclarative memory on the other hand. Provide simple examples of each component.

Answer 1

Declarative memory

Declarative memory includes working memory, sematic memory and episodic memory. It is also called as explicit memory

Declarative memory or explicit memory is a memory system that is controlled consciously, intentionally, and flexibly. Declarative memory generally involves some effort and intention, and we can employ memory strategies such as mnemonics to recall information. The declarative memory is controlled by the hippocampus and frontal lobes, thus damage to these areas may cause disturbance in forming new memories and recalling them. For example, people with damage to the hippocampus have difficulty forming new long-term declarative memories, while those with frontal lobe damage may experience deficits in working memory. Examples include recalling the name of an old friend, remembering a list of items to pick up at the store, remembering information for a test.

• Working memory: working memory is part of the short term memory that occurs immediately after we encounter new information. It allows us to store limited amount of information for a short period of time, around 2-18 seconds. Working memory is used to remember information for a short period of time, example: remembering a phone number to dial on the phone
• Episodic memory: is part of the long term memory which stores information about specific events/episodes that occur in one’s life. Episodic memory is used to remember past events such as your birthday party, school Christmas party etc.
• Semantic memory is part of the long term memory that stores information such as general knowledge, facts. Example, Washington is the capital of United states

Non declarative memory/ implicit memory

Non declarative memory or implicit memory is a memory system that influences our current perceptions and behavior without our knowledge, awareness, or intention. Non declarative is not used intentionally and involves no effort. It is assessed with an implicit memory test in which the individual is unaware she or he is taking a memory test.

• Priming is an automatic or unconscious process that can enhance the speed and accuracy of a response as a result of past experience. Different cues prompt the retrieval of memory. Memories are stored as a series of connections that can be activated by different kinds of cues; there is not any single location in the brain associated with a specific memory trace. Priming helps trigger associated concepts or memories, making the retrieval process more efficient. Example of priming is repetition priming: you read the word orange faster when you have recently read it. Another example is semantic priming: you are more likely to say the word teacher when you have recently read the word school.
• Procedural memory is the memory for the process involved in completing a task (e.g., motor memory) after the task is well learned and has become automatic. Example playing soccer, swimming, brushing your teeth
• Classical conditioning is memory for associations formed between two stimuli. Example Pavlov’s classic experiment with dogs: Just before presenting a dog with food, the researcher rang a bell. Soon, the animal learned the bell indicated food was imminent and would salivate at the sound of the bell. Humans can also become conditioned to the sound of a ring tone consistently paired with a specific caller.