2.4.1 Bartlett’s Theory of Reconstructive Memory

• Reconstructive memory involves modifying memories based on current context and previous knowledge
• Verbatim storage stores memories word-for-word like a digital recording.
• Schemas are mental frameworks that organize our understanding of the world
• Who conducted the War of the Ghosts experiment?

  Sir Frederic Bartlett
• Assimilation in the War of the Ghosts experiment refers to aligning key themes with participants' schemas
• What role do schemas play in reconstructive memory, according to Bartlett's findings?

  Shape memory recall
• Steps of Bartlett's War of the Ghosts experiment

  1️⃣ Participants read the Native American folk tale "The War of the Ghosts."

  2️⃣ Participants were asked to recall the story weeks later.

  3️⃣ Findings showed shortening, rationalization, and assimilation.

  4️⃣ Conclusions highlighted the role of schemas in memory recall.
• Match the components of the War of the Ghosts experiment with their descriptions:

  Procedure ↔️ Participants read and recalled a story

  Shortening ↔️ Memories are reduced in length

  Rationalization ↔️ Unfamiliar details made familiar

  Assimilation ↔️ Memories tailored to schemas
• What did Bartlett conclude about memories based on the War of the Ghosts experiment?

  They are actively reconstructed
• Reconstructive memory modifies memories based on context, whereas verbatim storage retains them word-for-word
• What is rationalization in reconstructive memory?

  Unfamiliar details made familiar
• In assimilation, key themes are aligned with participants' schemas
• Memories are perfectly retrieved, not actively reconstructed.

  False
• Who conducted the War of the Ghosts experiment?

  $Sir Frederic Bartlett$
• Stories in the War of the Ghosts experiment were shortened and simplified
• Match the component of reconstructive memory with its description:

  Shortening ↔️ Memories are reduced in length

  Rationalization ↔️ Unfamiliar details are made familiar

  Assimilation ↔️ Memories fit cultural norms
• What are schemas in memory?

  Mental frameworks for knowledge
• Schemas aid in selection, inference, and sometimes distortion
• Reconstructive memory involves storing memories verbatim.

  False
• What is the role of past experiences in reconstructive memory?

  Integration with new information
• Match the principle of reconstructive memory with its example:

  Shortening ↔️ Recalling main points of a lecture

  Rationalization ↔️ Describing a tribal ritual as a festival

  Assimilation ↔️ Remembering a birthday party with balloons
• What is the purpose of schemas in interpreting information?

  Organizing knowledge efficiently
• Schemas help us focus on relevant details and ignore unnecessary information
• What does Bartlett's theory emphasize about memory?

  Active and flexible nature
• Bartlett's theory provides specific details on how schemas operate.

  False