Reconstructive Memory (Bartlett, 1932) including Schema Theory Flashcards
Which is reconstructive memory?
The theory that memories are not exact copies of what is encoded and stored but are affected by prior experience and knowledge in the form of schemas
What is a schema?
A plan that is built upon our past experiences, knowledge we have learnt and the attitudes and beliefs we possess
What are schemas used for?
Schemas are used to interpret information to be stored and to actively reconstruct memories to be recalled
What did Bartlett use the term ‘effort after meaning’ to describe?
To describe how participants spent considerable effort in trying to connect a stimulus that they are given with some knowledge or experiences they possess
What happens once a stimulus gains meaning?
Once the stimulus gains meaning for the individual it can be more readily assimilated and stored
What happens to memory each time it is recalled?
Memory is reconstructed each time it is recalled
Why is memory rarely accurate?
It is prone to distortion from processes such as rationalisation, transformation and confabulation
What is rationalisation?
Making something make sense
What is confabulation?
Making up bits to fill in a memory so it makes sense
What did Bartlett do in his experiments?
Tested how accurately people could reproduce a story they only heard once
In his most famous experiment what did Bartlett ask his participants to do?
He asked participants to read and recall a North American folk talk called The War of the Ghosts
What did Bartlett find in his experiment?
That the story became considerably shortened because of omissions made, the phrases used reflected modern concepts and the story became more coherent in form
What are the strengths/supporting evidence of reconstructive memory?
Loftus
Bartlett’s theory - useful applications in society
Reliability - Bartlett
What are the weaknesses/refuting evidence of reconstructive memory?
Might not be generalisable
Psychology as a science
Nature and nurture
Why is Loftus supporting evidence of reconstructive memory?
Loftus carried out many experiments on the unreliability of eyewitness testimony which has tested the idea of reconstructive memory and schemas and produced findings which support Bartlett’s theory
Why is Bartlett supporting evidence for reconstructive memory?
Bartlett’s theory has useful applications in everyday life with regard to eyewitness testimonies
Explains why an eyewitness may produce a statement which is distorted and may draw upon previous knowledge in the form of schemas
Why is there supporting evidence from Bartlett in terms of reliability for reconstructive memory?
Bartlett repeated this study multiple times using 8 different stories and found the same effects he did the first time which increases the reliability
Why is the fact that generalisations may not be able to be made a weakness of reconstructive memory?
Evidence from Bartlett’s reconstructive theory comes from experiments where both the tasks and the situation in which they were carried out may be viewed as artificial
Findings from the study may not have validity and therefore generalisations to everyday life may not be possible
Why is psychology as a science a weakness of reconstructive memory?
Research with humans is complex and it may not be possible to establish cause and effect conclusions about their behaviour
Why is nature and nurture a weakness of reconstructive memory?
schemas present stereotypical beliefs about objects or events; these will be effected by upbringing and are therefore a product of nurture
This would also suggest that reconstructive memory is affected by cultural variations and the implication of this would be the findings of Bartlett’s research might not be generalised to other cultures
