Reconstructive Mem

Created by

Grace

Cards (17)

What is the theory of reconstructive memory  
An explanation of the process of memory
how does Bartlett suggest our memory is constructed  
Actively based on prior knowledge
What effects the way an event can be remembered? 
What precedes the event
what did Bartlett find when he asked participants to recall a story 
They shortened, omitted, familiarised and transformed the story. S.O.F.T
What are Schemas  
Mental representations which are built from previous experince
What is evidence for this theory? 
War of the Ghosts recall supports Bartlett as story was changed as built back on previous knowledge and familiarising
What is a down side for war of the Ghosts? 
Lacks ecological validity as recall not part of everyday
Conclusion to evidence:
Bartlett found other similarities with other folk law stories and Carmichael had similar findings
What did Carmicheal find?
similar effects to stimulus of photos, supporting Bartlett theory
Where can Reconstructive Memory be applied  
Eye witness testimony
What do police do to help these memories now  
Recreate the crime scene to get accurate memories
What is a strength of this theory  
It explains individual differences as we all have different schema from different experiences
What’s a shortcoming  
over emphasises the errors in memory
the theory is reductionist
Why is the theory reductionist  
Struggles to explain why somethings that don’t fit into a schema are remembered better
What theory can it support (alternate) 
Explains the process of how memory becomes distorted (Tulving theory)
What alternate model similar to? 
WMM as some components aren’t explained in detail
What’s a conclusion needed for this theory? 
more research is needed