memory - barletts (1932) theory of reconstructive memory

Question 1

define schema (memory)

Answer 1

a packet of knowledge about an event, person or place that influences how we perceive & remember.

Question 1

define active reconstruction

Answer 1

memory isn’t an exact copy of what we experienced, but an interpretation or reconstruction of events that are influenced by our schemua (expectation) when we remember them again.

Question 2

define omissions

Answer 2

when we leave out unfamiliar, irrelevant, or unpleasant details when remembering something.

Question 3

define transformation

Answer 3

when details are changed to make them more familar & rational.

Question 4

define familiarisation

Answer 4

when details are changed to make them more familiar & rational.

Question 5

define rationalisation

Answer 5

when we add details into our recall to give a reason for something that may not have originally fitted with a schema.

Question 6

strengths

Answer 6

Real world application: theory has helped the police understand that eye witness testimony is unreliable. This has meant that the police can change the way that they interview witnesses to ensure they are consistent.

Ecological validity - used folk songs & images in his research - realistic use of memory

Question 7

weaknesses

Answer 7

Barlett assessed the story & images of participants himself - researcher bias - subjective representation - unscientific research

Lack standardized procedure - thus not considered scientific.