Reconstructive memory

• Reconstructive memory suggests that memory is not like a tape recorder meaning what we retrieve from LTM is not a copy of what we experienced. This is because reconstructive memory is a process in which we understand new information based on previous information we have receieved. Memory over time becomes distorted because different information we receive and store interacts with one another during processing, causing memories to change over time based on past events.
• A schema is a mental representation of information about a specific event or object based on prior knowledge built from past experiences.
• Memory is the process by which information about the world around us is encoded, stored, and retrieved
• Encoding allows information from the outside world to be coded in terms of the 5 senses
• Confabulation is where gaps in our memory are filled in so that it fits in with the pre existing information (schema) or expectations that we hold. For example you may say you heard a loud bang when you saw two cars collide. Yet you were behind soundproof glass. So you change the information recalled based on your expectations of what would happen.
• Levelling is when we remove or downplay information from our memory based on our schema that may not seem important to us. Over time this means when recalling an event details are left out and become shorter due to oversimplification. For example recalling a night out you will shorten the memory down to the most important events.
• Sharpening is exaggerating details based on our schemas expectations. For example a friend falling over on a night out will be exaggerated to be seen as more dramatic
• Rationalisation is where we make sense of information we have received to fit in with our past experiences. We may explain a situation in a way that seems logical to us. For example if someone thinks they saw a ghost they might say it was just the wind.
• Schema theory

  A schema is a mental representation of information about a specific event or object based on prior knowledge. We use these to understand the world around us and to help us understand when we experience something new
• Accommodation

  This is where we add information into our existing schema when our understanding of something improves.
• Reconstructive memory is useful as it shows memory recall is influenced by schemas so can lead to practical applications that may prevent inaccuracies in eyewitness recall in courtrooms. Can be considered less useful as not all memories are subject to change especially those we have been personally involved in and if we generalise that all memories can be transformed this would mean no witness would be believed when recalling information in a courtroom.