Psychology – AS Level approaches | e-Consult
AS Level approaches (1 questions)
Login to see all questions.
Click on a question to view the answer
The dual‑process theory posits two qualitatively different memory systems. Evidence comes from neuropsychology, pharmacology, and experimental paradigms.
| Feature | Explicit Memory | Implicit Memory |
|---|---|---|
| Conscious awareness | Requires conscious recollection (e.g., recalling a fact) | Operates without conscious awareness (e.g., priming) |
| Neural substrates | Hippocampus and medial temporal lobe | Basal ganglia, cerebellum, and cortical areas |
| Effect of amnesia | Severe impairment (e.g., patient HM) | Often preserved (e.g., procedural learning remains) |
| Pharmacological sensitivity | Disrupted by benzodiazepines | Enhanced by dopaminergic agents |
Overall, converging evidence supports the existence of two distinct memory systems, though some researchers argue for a more interactive continuum.