PSYCH 140M Lecture Notes - Lecture 39: Explicit Memory, Implicit Memory, Psych
Document Summary
Experimenter uses objects to perform some kind of action (e. g. using a mallet to hit a metal plate), which infant later tries to imitate. Method of studying infants" explicit (declarative) memory. Used dumbbell consisting of two wooden blocks connected by plastic tubing. Had 14- and 24-month-old infants in one of the following conditions: Watching experimenter move toy in a circle. In 14-month olds, 45% of group watching experimenter pull dumbbell apart also did so. Only 7. 5% of other groups pulled dumbbell apart. In 24-month olds, 70% showed deferred imitation. Studies show deferred imitation can occur in infants as young as 6- months. Adult amnesic patients (who have severely impaired explicit memory, but in tact implicit memory) are essentially unable to perform deferred imitation. Strongest evidence for explicit learning in infants comes from autobiographical memories of infants once they can talk. Emily (21 months old) talks to herself before bed every night.
