Bartlett's Theory of Reconstructive Memory (1932)

Question 1

What is omission?

Answer 1

leaving out unpleasant or unfamiliar details

Question 2

What is transformation?

Answer 2

details are changed to make them more rational

Question 3

What is familiarisation?

Answer 3

unfamiliar details are changed to align with schema

Question 4

What is rationalization?

Answer 4

adding detail into our recall to give reason for something

Question 5

Strengths of Bartlett’s Theory of Reconstructive Memory?

Answer 5

• This theory has practical application, it helps us understand why memory can become distorted
• Is ecologically valid. Bartlett conducted the research by using folk stories and images, he asked the participants to remember the story hours, days and even months later. His method can be used to test memory in the real world.

Question 6

Weaknesses of Bartlett’s Theory of Reconstructive Memory?

Answer 6

• Bartlett would listen and analyse the story and then give his own interpretation of it. The data can be subjective and will weaken the theory.
• Bartlett was not scientific in his procedures, he was interested about the participant’s memories rather than fixing proper controls and procedures. This weakens the research.