reconstructive memory

• What is active reconstruction as proposed by Bartlett?

  It is the process of interpreting events based on notes taken by the brain and using schemas to fill in gaps.
• What are schemas?

  Packets of knowledge about an event, person, or place, formed by having a general understanding.
• What are the four common recall patterns identified by Bartlett?

  Omissions, transformation, familiarization, and rationalization.
• What does each recall pattern identified by Bartlett involve?

  • Omissions: Removing unfamiliar or irrelevant details.
  • Transformation: Altering details to make them more familiar or rational.
  • Familiarization: Aligning unfamiliar details with our own schemas.
  • Rationalization: Adding details to provide reasons for things that may not fit with a schema.
• What is one strength of active reconstruction?

  It has practical applications, such as helping eyewitnesses avoid omissions and misremembering.
• Why is the ecological validity of Bartlett's theory considered a strength?

  Because people were asked to remember folk stories realistically, testing memory in the real world.
• What is one weakness of active reconstruction?

  Bartlett developed the theory himself, making it subjective.
• Why are the methods used by Bartlett considered unscientific?

  Because they focused on unique memories from participants rather than standardized procedures and controls.
• How does active reconstruction help in understanding memory interpretation and recall?

  It provides insights into how we fill in gaps and interpret information based on existing knowledge.