Memory Systems and Amnesia Cases

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary type of memory affected in Clive Wearing's case?

Semantic memory

Working memory

Procedural memory

Episodic memory (correct)

What does anterograde amnesia refer to?

Loss of memories before the onset of amnesia

Memory loss for specific types of information

Complete inability to create new memories

Loss of memories after the onset of amnesia (correct)

Which part of the brain was primarily affected in Clive Wearing due to his illness?

Hippocampus (correct)

Frontal lobes

Amygdala

Cerebellum

How often does Clive Wearing experience the sensation of 'waking up' to the current situation?

Once every 1-2 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What is retrograde amnesia?

Loss of memories prior to the onset of amnesia Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes Clive Wearing's memory function?

He remembers ongoing events for only 20-30 seconds. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following activities would Clive Wearing struggle with due to his memory condition?

Following a book or TV show Signup and view all the answers

What might be a consequence of Clive Wearing being 'locked into a permanent present'?

He cannot maintain independent living. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes implicit memory?

It is accessed without conscious awareness. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of sensory memory is described in terms of capacity?

Large but limited capacity with quick decay. Signup and view all the answers

How long can information remain in short-term memory if rehearsed continuously?

Indefinitely. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to information in short-term memory if it is not rehearsed?

It decays within 18-30 seconds. Signup and view all the answers

What coding method is primarily associated with short-term memory?

Acoustic and linguistic coding. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes long-term memory?

It has an unlimited capacity. Signup and view all the answers

What role does rehearsal play in memory systems?

It helps maintain information in short-term memory. Signup and view all the answers

What does the modal model of memory primarily use as a metaphor for understanding memory?

Digital computer architecture Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT typically associated with the modal model of memory?

Memory Processes Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the modal model of memory from other memory models of its time?

It incorporates sensory, short-term, and long-term components. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the modal model has been debated over time?

The existence of static stores Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'bidirectional flow of information' in the modal model suggest?

Perceived stimuli can activate long-term memory and vice versa. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the input method of the modal model?

Environmental Input Signup and view all the answers

How does interference impact memory according to the modal model?

It causes information to be forgotten. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is not associated with the memory processes in the modal model?

Emotional response Signup and view all the answers

Which concept conflicts with the basic assumptions of the modal model regarding memory storage?

Brain physiology underpinning memory Signup and view all the answers

What type of amnesia did Henry Molaison experience after his surgery?

Anterograde and retrograde amnesia Signup and view all the answers

What type of memory did Henry retain despite his impairments?

Semantic memory Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tasks did Henry perform similarly to healthy controls?

Priming tasks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT preserved in Henry’s memory functions?

Acquisition of new semantic memory Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about explicit memory is true?

It can be intentionally retrieved. Signup and view all the answers

What musical ability did Henry maintain after his surgery?

He could read music and play the piano. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the nature of memory from Henry’s case?

Memory involves multiple, independent systems. Signup and view all the answers

What type of memory was most affected in HM's case after his operation?

Episodic memory Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction

Clive Wearing, a musician, suffered from herpes simplex encephalitis in 1985, which damaged his medial temporal lobes, especially the hippocampus.
This resulted in severe retrograde and anterograde amnesia, affecting his episodic memory, the ability to recall events.
Clive Wearing's episodic memory is limited to 20-30 seconds, making him experience a continuous “present” moment.
His case demonstrates the profound impact of memory impairment on human experience and functionality.
Henry Molaison (“HM”), a patient who underwent a bilateral hippocampectomy to treat epilepsy, also suffered from temporally graded retrograde and anterograde amnesia for episodic memory.
However, other forms of memory, like semantic memory (facts) and procedural memory (motor skills), remained intact in HM.
HM's case provided valuable insights into the nature of different memory systems.

Memory Systems

The modal model of memory emphasizes that memory functions in a sequential manner, encompassing a Sensory Register, a Short-Term Memory (STM), and a Long-Term Memory (LTM).
The model originates from the computer metaphor, and has been influential in research, but its limitations are evident.
The model emphasizes static stores of memory, but current understanding suggests that memory processes are dynamic and interdependent.
The model does not account for the bidirectional nature of memory, where long-term memory influences current perception and processing.
Furthermore, the model does not align with the complex brain structures and functions implicated in memory, such as the hippocampus, which plays a key role in episodic memory.

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Description

Explore the fascinating cases of Clive Wearing and Henry Molaison in this quiz. Discover how brain damage can severely impair episodic memory while leaving other types relatively intact. Test your understanding of the modal model of memory and the effects of amnesia on human experience.