Exploring the role of the temporal lobes in relational memory

Abstract

Understanding the architecture of human memory has been a topic that researchers have endeavoured to research for over a hundred years.  The first paper reviews a number of studies on human memory disorder following temporal lobe pathology. It demonstrates the importance of the medial temporal lobe structures in memory operations.  Theoretical frameworks which  have attempted to account for amnesic deficits and spared abilities are also reviewed.  Whilst it is widely agreed that the medial temporal lobes are critical structures in memory functioning, controversy still exists regarding which conceptual framework can best account for human memory disorder.  A number of research studies suggest that an important mechanism underlying memory functioning is one where memories are represented relationally (i.e. binding of memories to the context in which they occur).  Evidence to support such a claim is critically reviewed and is shown to be limited inconsistent.  The paper concludes that supportive studies need to be replicated and relational theories made more precise for further advances to be made in this field.

The second paper describe a study which investigates different types of relational memory deficits in individuals with lesions to the temporal lobes and in healthy controls.  The results suggested that implicit relational memory functioning can occur when damage to the medial temporal lobe is sustained, with left and right temporal groups performing at a similar level.  The findings suggest that certain forms of relational memory deficit may therefore be lesion specific.

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