Reconstructive memory

Question 1

Memory

Answer 1

The encoding, storage, and recall of information.

Question 2

Schema

Answer 2

Mental representations that are derived from prior experience and knowledge. Schemas help us to predict what to expect based on what has happened before. They are used to organise our knowledge, to assist recall, to guide our behaviour, and to help us to make sense of current experiences.

Question 3

Reconstructive memory

Answer 3

A theory of memory recall, in which the act of remembering is influenced by other cognitive processes including perception, past experience, imagination, and beliefs.

Question 4

Levelling

Answer 4

Leaving out details when recalling a memory; this may be because the details were schema incongruent, they were not seen as important, or they were not understood.

Question 5

Sharpening

Answer 5

How we remember and emphasise smaller details that are consistent with our cognitive schema and affects how we remember information. Sharpening can even influence us to add some details that weren’t there.

Question 6

Assimilation

Answer 6

Changing small details of information in order to fit it into our existing schemas, often leading to incorrect recall of memories.