theory of reconstructive memory (Bartlett, key theory)

Question 1

who was the proposer for the theory of reconstructive memory?

Answer 1

Bartlett

Question 2

what were the outlines/explanation of the theory? (5 points)

Answer 2

1. Bartlett stated memory is not an accurate account
2. memory is inaccurate: it was previously believed that we simply ‘reproduced’ the information; Bartlett said we reconstruct
3. information is stored in ‘fragments’and we have to build these into a whole
4. there will be gaps in the information
5. we store and recombine pieces based on our social and cultural expectations

Question 3

what is the meaning of ‘effort after meaning’? (in Bartlett’s theory)

Answer 3

people recalled the general point, not the specific details

Question 4

what is the meaning of ‘active process’? (in Bartlett’s theory)

Answer 4

rebuilding your memory, not reproducing it

Question 5

what is the supporting evidence ‘Point’?

Answer 5

theory of reconstructive memory can help explain issues with ‘eyewitness testimony’

Question 6

what is the supporting evidence ‘Evidence’?

Answer 6

previously, eyewitness testimony used to be seen as reliable evidence used in court to sentence people to prison

Question 7

what is the supporting evidence ‘Explanation’?

Answer 7

research into theory of reconstructive memory illustrated that memory is not always accurate and can be influenced by others and as a result, EWT is no longer used as the sole piece of evidence in a court case

Question 8

what is the supporting evidence ‘Link’?

Answer 8

therefore, the ToRM has useful real-world application as it has improved eyewitness testimony

Question 9

what is the opposing evidence ‘Point’?

Answer 9

one issue with the ToRM is that it suggests all memories are inaccurate and/or affected by social expectations

Question 10

what is the opposing evidence ‘Evidence’?

Answer 10

in the ‘war of the ghosts’ story, most pp’s remembered that “something black came out of his mouth” since it was so distinct

Question 11

what is the opposing evidence ‘Explanation’?

Answer 11

Wynn and Logie’s research shows us that when things are personally important, memory is accurate

Question 12

what is the opposing evidence ‘Link’?

Answer 12

therefore, this research shows us we do not always actively reconstruct memories which goes against what the ToRM suggests and reduces its credibility/validity