Clive Wearing
Conclusions
-Provides insight into the biological foundation of different memory systems, which is a cognitive process. -Highlights the interaction between cognition and physiology as it illustrates the effect of physiological causes in the brain.
Applications
-Supports interaction of cognition and physiology in amnesia. -Supports the multi-store model of memory. -Paves path for further research into amnesia and cognition as well as other mental disabilities in relation to cognition.
Evaluation (Limitations)
-The findings cannot be generalized, as the study was conducted on one male individual. -Cannot be replicated - may be unreliable. -Sacks violated Wearing's right to confidentiality as his real name was revealed. -Due to his memory, he would not be able to withdraw or would desire a debriefing.
Year
2007
Research Method
Case study
Aim
To investigate how brain damage in the hippocampus can have an effect on memory processes, specifically, the STM store and LTM store leading to amnesia.
Definitions
-Anterograde Amnesia: the failure to store memories after a trauma. -Retrograde Amnesia: the failure to recall memories that have been stored before a trauma. Amnesia can be caused by brain injury or infection. -Herpes Encephalitis: a brain infection that affects the parts of the brain concerned with memory.
Evaluation (Strengths)
-Case studies allow researchers to study certain situations that could not normally be studied. -The case of Clive Wearing provides insight into the biological foundation of different memory systems. -In-depth and realistic study. -Used a triangulation of methods leading to more valid and enriched data. -Clive Wearing's wife gave consent.
Procedure
-Clive Wearing was a musician who got a viral infection - encephalitis. -This left him with serious brain damage in the hippocampus (biological cause), which caused memory impairment (effect on cognition). -He suffered from anterograde and retrograde amnesia. -Multiple MRI scans of Wearing were conducted to evaluate the extent of the damage to the hippocampus and other areas of the brain and assess his condition.
Learning Outcomes
-Discuss how and why particular research methods are used at the cognitive level of analysis: case study. -Discuss ethical considerations related to research studies at the CLOA.
Findings
-He could not transfer information from STM to LTM. -His memory lasted 7-30 seconds, and he was unable to form new memories. -Wearing still had the ability to talk, read, write, conduct and sight-read music (procedural knowledge). -Wearing's episodic memory and some of his semantic memory were lost. -MRI scans of Wearing's brain showed damage to the hippocampus and some of the frontal regions. -His emotional memory is also intact, clearly demonstrated in the affection he constantly shows for his wife.
