Memory Trace & Schemas Flashcards
What is trace theory?
Memories are permanent and complete copies of past events; remembering is like re-experiencing the past.
Ex: like a video recording
What is schema theory?
Memories are imprecise and fragmented copies of past events; remembering is like a reconstruction of the past
Why did researchers reject trace theory?
- We remember bits and pieces
- Rely on fragments
- Can be constructed/reconstructed differently
- Memories are subject to change
Which type of memory is argued to be permanent?
Flashbulb memory
What are flashbulb memories?
- Vivid, detailed
- Usually associated with important historical events
- Now Print! Theory
What is the Now Print! Theory about?
Significant experiences are immediately photocopied and preserved in long-term memory and resistant to change
What is the 5-stage sequence in how flashbulb memories are formed?
- Tested for surprisingness
- Tested for consequentiality (if it doesn’t pass this level, they will be forgotten)
- Flashbulb memory created
- Rehearsal
- Tell and retell to other people
What did McCloskey find about flashbulb memories?
He found that they change over time after asking subjects about memory for Challenger space shuttle explosion 3 days and 9 months later
What are 4 things that we can conclude from flashbulb memories?
With time, the memories changed…
- Become more general
- Become inconsistent
- No drastic changes
- Inaccuracies (filled in by guessing/inferring)
Were flashbulb memories more accurate with events that are more emotional?
No
What is reconsolidation?
Process of revising a memory trace as it’s recalled
What happens when a memory is retrieved (during reconsolidation)?
- It is in a fragile state and can be edited
- It is then re-saved
What does reconsolidation suggest?
- Memory is constructive
- Makes more sense to think of memory in terms of the schema theory
What does memory tell us about eyewitness testimony and why?
It’s reasonable to be skeptical of eyewitness testimony because simply rephrasing a question could alter our recollection
What is the misinformation effect?
During reconstructive recall, false information can become integrated
