reconstructive memory Flashcards
reconstructive memory
Memory is a reconstructive process, an active process involving the reconstruction of information during retrieval. Thus, it is said that memory can be biased by the context it is reconstructed, influenced by irrelevant external stimuli.
e.g schemas, misleading information, leading questions
ETW
reconstructive memory is important in relevance to EWT
- the giving of evidence based on a witnesses’ experience and recollection
- it relies on the individual to provide detailed info
leading question
question prompting a specific answer
2 studies
mem is reliable - Yuille & Cutshaw
mem is unreliable - Loftus & Palmer
LP IV
different intensities of the critical word
LP DV
estimation of speed
LP shows
if presented with a misleading question, our memory is subject to distortion
LP aim
how leading questions influence memory recall
LP strengths
- ab experiment → high internal validity
- independent group design → no order effect
- medium mundane realism
LP weaknesses
- low eco val → in real life, emotions would play a role
- independent group design → participant variable
- ethics → protection of harm - trauma video