An active process where we bring small remembered parts together and create a memory that isn't accurate
Schema
Packages of information about objects in the world that we use as mental shortcuts
Effort after meaning
We remember the overall meaning of a memory but then use mental effort to interpret that memory so it matches our cultural expectations
Bartlett's study with the "War of the Ghosts" story provided evidence that memory is reconstructive, with participants changing parts of the story to match their cultural schemas
Not all memories are reconstructed, as memories with emotional significance seem to be accurately recorded
Factors influencing the accuracy of recall
Interference (proactive and retroactive)
Context
False memories
Proactive interference
Old information influences the recall of new information
Retroactive interference
New information affects the recall of old information
Research has shown that recall is more accurate when information is learned and recalled in the same location</b>
False memories are memories that feel true but didn't actually happen, and can be implanted or result from the reconstructive nature of memory
Much of the research on the limitations of memory has been conducted in artificial environments, so the findings may not fully apply to real-world memory use
