Fake memories +reconstructive memory

• What is reconstructive memory?

  We store parts of memories and then recall them creating a reconstructed meaningful memory
• Who argued memories are reconstructed?

  Bartlett
• When did Bartlett argue this theory?

  1932
• What is a schema?

  A schema is a mental package that holds are knowledge of the world around us (people, events)
• What is shortening?

  Shortening is making a memory shorter so it fits in the schema
• What is rationalisation?

  Rationalisation is making a memory have meaning and distorting the memory so it fits in with the schema
• What s confabulation?

  Confabulation is when you fill a memory that has gaps to add meaning so it fits in with the schema
• What where the aims of Bartlett's experiment?


  Wanted to see if recall from memory was reconstructive
• How did Bartlett carry out his experiment?

  Showed 20 British people a story

  They had to read it twice

  Then after 15 mins they had to tell the story to someone else
• What where the findings of Bartlett's experiment?

  Shortening - people shortened the story from 326 to 180 words

  rationalisation - the supernatural element vanished

  Confabulation - people replaced canoes with boats (culture of surroundings)
• Strengths of reconstructive memories

  • Support - bartlett and his ghosts - confabulation, Rationalisation and shortening
  • Eyewitness testimony- recollection is effected by schema - recall of even it not effective - practical applications
• Weakness of reconstructive memory

  Some memories are not effected by schema - ones that stand out - Do not reconstruct them