Reconstructive Memory

Question 1

Reconstructive Memory

Answer 1

• Bartlett considers memory as reconstructive and that it was based on previous knowledge and experience
• Memory that is retrieved is unlikely to be exactly the same as the original
• Memory is constructed every time you use it bit slightly different every time and the way it is reconstructed depends on your schema
• Schemas are packages of information that stores our knowledge about the world based on our experiences and they can help us shape our expectation of events or people
• When we see an unknown scenario a schema would be activated and this schema is based on past experiences to help frame new knowledge in a way you somewhat understand

Question 2

Confabulation

Answer 2

• Details are changed or added so that the story makes more sense to the person, and details are changed so they are more aligned with someone’s schemas

Question 3

Levelling

Answer 3

• Memories are shortened only leaving what your schemas suggest are important details

Question 4

Rationalisation

Answer 4

• Parts of the story are changed, and sections that are deemed irrational to the person’s schema are adjusted, this can be in the form of changing character motivation and the order of events in the story

Question 5

Evaluation Reconstructive Memory
(Strength)

Answer 5

Strengths :
- Bartlett’s War of Ghost study demonstrated how memories can be distorted
- 20 British participants were called to recall an unfamiliar Native American story ‘War of Ghost’. They found that the memories were shortened and details were changed to better fit British expectations and vocab (canoe to boat)
- Suggests memories are susceptible to changes and distortions based on expectations and schemas

Question 6

Evaluation Reconstructive Memory
(Weakness)

Answer 6

Weakness :
- However, Wynn Logie found differing results
- They tested the memory of first-year psychology students recalling places and events of their first week at university. They found that compared to Bartlett’s study there were far fewer changes in the student’s memories of events
- Suggest that events that are more familiar and mire relatable to the person changed less