Reconstructive Memory

Question 1

What is reproductive memory?

Answer 1

1. Filling in gaps in our memories that aren’t there

Question 2

What is a schema?

Answer 2

1. The building blocks of knowledge

Question 3

What 3 ways do schemas affect our memory?

Answer 3

1. Shortening
2. Rationalisation
3. Confabulation

Question 4

What is shortening?

Answer 4

1. Cutting out parts of our memories that we don’t think fit our schemas

Question 5

What is rationalisation?

Answer 5

1. Changing our memories to better fit our schemas

Question 6

What is confabulation?

Answer 6

1. Inventing new parts of a memory to fil in the gaps

Question 7

What did Barlett’s ‘war of the ghosts’ study find?

Answer 7

1. A lot of people shortened it (320 words down to 180)
2. A lot of people rationalised (left out the parts that were supernatural)
3. A lot of people confabulated (changed phrases and words to fit what made sense to them)

Question 8

What are the practical applications of reconstructive memory?

Answer 8

1. Explains why not all witnesses are reliable in court
2. Innocent people can be wrongly found guilty
3. Eye witness testimonies are not allowed to be used alone in court

Question 9

What is a positive about reconstructive memories?

Answer 9

1. Not all memories are corrupted by schemas