Schemas

Question 1

Memory at the algorithmic level

Answer 1

To support adaptive behavior, memory must be encoded, stored, and retrieved in a way that supports useful inferences

Question 2

Hierarchical model

Answer 2

Items can be grouped into hierarchies of general to less general

Question 3

Challenges against hierarchical model

Answer 3

By logic, less general, closer linked relations should be mentioned first, but cats are thought of as animals more so than mammals first

Question 4

Schemas

Answer 4

Representational structure involved in understanding, inference, and memory
Slots and default values

Question 5

Why are schemas useful?

Answer 5

Addresses problems of limited information (inferences) and cognitive limitations (memory limits)

Question 6

Evidence for schemas

Answer 6

Subjects tend to report schema consistent items in environment even if not present

Question 7

Method of serial reproduction

Answer 7

Study shows that racial stereotypes cause people to reverse the roles of previous stories where roles are reversed

Question 8

Scripts

Answer 8

Schemas about events

Schema consistent items that were not on list reported to be on list (series of events in restaurant)

Question 9

Reconstructive memory

Answer 9

Remembering by integrating partial information from the event with other information, such as schemas or beliefs
Recall more items listed in paragraph depending on which perspective taken when reading (burglar or buyer of a house)

Question 10

Issues with schemas

Answer 10

Systematic errors can result if deviations from schemas or prior beliefs
Schemas can perpetuate false or harmful beliefs

Question 11

Why are eye witness testimonies unreliable? (4)

Answer 11

Power law of forgetting (we forget over time)
Working memory is limited
Schemas and prior beliefs bias
Misinformation can lead on beliefs

Question 12

Misinformation effect

Answer 12

Information gained after an event can alter memory of event
Participants misinformed and lead into believing yield sign instead of stop sign
Participants misinformed and lead to judge severity of car accident based on wording of question

Question 13

Source confusion

Answer 13

Mistaking misinformation for actual event

Source monitoring errors are evidence

Question 14

Overwriting

Answer 14

Memory overwritten by misinformation

Question 15

Misinformation acceptance

Answer 15

Misinformation taken as reliable guide for missing portions in original memory